Using ultrasound to grow tiny blood vessels in damaged tissue
In Vivo Acoustic Patterning for Tissue Vascularization
This project uses focused ultrasound to arrange cells so new tiny blood vessels can form and improve blood flow in poorly perfused tissues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323020 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I had damaged tissue that wasn't getting enough blood, this project aims to use focused ultrasound to push and organize cells or tiny particles inside my tissue so new microvessels can form. The team has already shown this method can create perfused capillaries in lab-grown gels and in mice. Now they are improving the ultrasound system, testing safety, and optimizing how to deliver cells or materials and the wave settings for different tissues. The goal is a non-invasive treatment that could be used during reconstructive surgery or to help chronic ischemic areas heal.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with poor microcirculation, chronic tissue ischemia, or those facing reconstructive or plastic surgery with high risk of poor healing could be candidates for future clinical versions of this approach.
Not a fit: Patients whose problems are caused by large-vessel blockages, systemic blood disorders, or who need systemic rather than localized treatment may not benefit from this localized therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could restore local blood flow and reduce tissue death after injury or surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and mouse studies have provided proof-of-concept that ultrasound patterning can form perfused microvessels, but human testing is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dalecki, Diane — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Dalecki, Diane
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.