Ultrasound Imaging Research Core

Ultrasound Research: Our group has internationally recognized expertise in ultrasound image processing and elastography. Through numerous laboratory and clinical studies, we have developed and tested ultrasound-based speckle tracking methodology for vascular and renal applications, and novel imaging methods for other organ systems. Our work has widespread applications for assessing vascular health using quantitative, accurate and robust measurement methods of vascular elasticity. In addition, we have developed and tested novel ultrasound methods for measurement of blood flow, shear stress, and 3D imaging. We have also developed quantitative ultrasound imaging tools to answer fundamental questions surrounding the use of pulmonary ultrasound signals. Through both computational simulations and clinical studies, we have validated quantifiable measures for these signals and associated them with volume status and hemodynamic factors clinically. Our methods allow a thousand-fold increase in data processing compared with conventional methods, enabling machine learning methods to improve the robustness and reliability of lung ultrasound for lung water assessment.

Ultrasound Laboratory and Clinical Research

The Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Health System (VAAAHS) Ultrasound and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory fully equipped with test equipment including oscilloscopes, electrical meters, microscopes, tools for prototyping, an acoustic tank, assorted transducers, flow phantoms, pumps, pressure and flow sensors. Our laboratory group also has a well-developed infrastructure with capabilities that include signal processing for a variety of ultrasound and electrical signals. We have Toshiba, Sonosite and Global Med conventional ultrasound devices as well as a Verasonics research platform. Software development and testing are conducted in the Laboratory and Clinical Research facilities. Late model computers running Linux and/or Windows are on a secure network with high speed internet access. A wide range of software is available, including open source and proprietary applications and libraries used for signal processing, imaging, statistical software and compilers/IDEs for scientific programming. State of the art Vascular Lab, Department of Radiology, and Dialysis programs support clinical research. Clinical research facilities include regulatory support, study coordinator, and project management support for the full spectrum of clinical studies in the VA healthcare system, as well as making preparations in accordance with all VA computer security and administrative research requirements.

Affiliated Investigators

Joseph Bull, PhD, Associate Dean for Research, Faculty Affairs & Graduate Studies, John and Elsie Martinez Biomedical Engineering Chair, Professor, Tulane University

Miguel Funes, PhD, Research Investigator, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan 

James Hamilton, PhD, Ultrasound Engineer, Research Health Scientist, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

Venkat Krishnamurthy, MD, Chief of Radiology, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Professor of Radiology, University of Michigan

Timothy Morgan, PhD, Biomedical Engineer, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

Nirmala Rajaram, PhD, Research Biologist, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System; Senior Research Lab Specialist, Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Panduranga Rao, MD, Nephrology Fellowship Program Director, Professor of Internal Medicine, Nephrology, University of Michigan

Albert Shih, PhD, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan 

Brian Thelen, PhD, Research Health Scientist, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Senior Scientist, MTRI, Adj Professor Statistics, University of Michigan 

Xianglong Wang, PhD,  Scholarly Assistant Professor of Bioengineering, Washington State University

William Weitzel, MD, Associate Chief of Staff for Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Professor of Internal Medicine, Nephrology, University of Michigan 

Leo Yessayan, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine, Nephrology, University of Michigan

Yihao Zheng, PhD, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

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