3D contrast-enhanced microvascular ultrasound to detect new blood vessel growth in carotid plaques
Official title: 3D Contrast Enhanced Microvascular Ultrasound of Carotid Atherosclerosis for the Detection of Carotid Plaque Neo-Revascularisation.
Run by London North West Healthcare NHS Trust · NCT07298655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test tries to see if 3D contrast-enhanced ultrasound can detect tiny new blood vessels inside carotid artery plaques in adults who previously had carotid CEUS.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | London North West Healthcare NHS Trust Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Harrow) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 16, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07298655 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 who previously participated in the SECURE trial, have undergone carotid CEUS, have at least one carotid plaque on that imaging, and can give informed consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are under 18, pregnant, allergic to microbubble contrast agents, or who do not have detectable carotid plaques (or did not have prior CEUS in SECURE) are unlikely to receive benefit from this imaging test.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional imaging project uses 3D contrast-enhanced microvascular carotid ultrasound with microbubble contrast to image plaque neovascularization in people with known carotid atherosclerosis. Participants are adults who previously consented to the SECURE trial and have already undergone carotid CEUS, and must have at least one plaque visible on prior imaging. The procedure involves targeted 3D CEUS imaging of the carotid arteries to look for microvascular channels within plaques, with safety exclusions for microbubble allergy and pregnancy. The study is conducted at a single site and focuses on refining noninvasive detection of plaque neovascularisation rather than testing a drug or device implant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help clinicians noninvasively identify higher-risk carotid plaques and better target preventive treatments to reduce stroke risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows CEUS can detect plaque neovascularisation and that neovascularisation links to plaque vulnerability, but the specific use of 3D contrast-enhanced microvascular ultrasound for this purpose is relatively new and not yet widely validated.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age\>18 years old. 2. Previously consent for participation in the SECURE trial and have undergone carotid CEUS. 3. Found to have at least one carotid plaque present on carotid CEUS. 4. Able to give informed consent to participate in the study and its procedures. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Age \<18 years old. 2. Unable to provide informed consent to participate in the study and its procedures. 3. Allergy to microbubble contrast agents. 4. Known pregnancy.
Where it's running
-
Northwick Park Hospital
Harrow, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Roxy Senior, MD — LNWH Trust
- Study coordinator: Emma Howard
- Email: emma.howard16@nhs.net
- Phone: 0208 869 2548
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.