X-ray dark-field imaging of carotid blood flow using special iron oxide particles
Official title: X-ray dark-field imaging of carotid hemodynamics enhanced by anisotropic IONP
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11374249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, patient-friendly look at a new imaging approach that could better show how blood flows in the neck arteries to help predict plaque trouble.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | June 22, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $430,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS142639-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374249 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for cerebrovascular disease or with carotid artery plaque who may require advanced imaging in the future.
✕Less likely to help
People without carotid or cerebrovascular concerns are unlikely to benefit from this imaging approach.
What this research studies
This project explores a new way to image blood flow in the carotid arteries using a novel X-ray method enhanced by iron oxide nanoparticles. The goal is to capture detailed flow patterns that relate to plaque stability and help doctors decide on the best treatment. It combines cutting-edge imaging with advanced contrast agents to visualize wall shear stress and related flow features that matter for vascular health. If successful, this could lead to earlier insight into who might need intervention and how therapies are working over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from earlier, more precise assessments of carotid plaque risk and better-informed treatment decisions.
How similar studies have gone: There is growing interest in novel imaging modalities, but this exact dark-field, nanoparticle-enhanced approach is still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Xiangyang — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Tang, Xiangyang
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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.