Nilocas Research Tool 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Study of Acoustic and Motion Signals Produced by Turbulent Blood Flow
IRAS ID
367468
Contact name
Francesca Pugliese
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Nilocas
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Coronary artery disease is a common condition caused by narrowing of the blood vessels that supply the heart and is a leading cause of illness and death worldwide. Current tests used to detect narrowing of the coronary arteries, such as coronary CT angiography, are accurate but expensive and involve exposure to X-ray radiation. Many people who undergo these scans are later found not to have significant disease, placing unnecessary burden on patients and healthcare services.
This is a basic science research study that aims to improve understanding of whether sounds and small vibrations measured on the surface of the chest are related to how blood flows through the heart’s arteries. When blood flows normally it moves smoothly, but when an artery is narrowed the flow becomes disturbed. This disturbed flow may produce different vibration patterns that can be detected at the chest wall. 120 adult patients attending the Cleveland Clinic for an elective coronary CT angiography scan as part of their routine clinical care will be invited to participate. Participation in the study will not influence diagnosis, treatment, or clinical management.
After their scan, participants will be asked to wear a small, non-invasive research tool on their chest for around five minutes. The tool consists of microphones and motion sensors that record vibrations from the chest surface alongside a standard electrocardiogram to support signal timing. The research tool does not deliver energy to the body and is used only to collect data.
Researchers will compare the vibration recordings with information from the CT scan to explore whether vibration patterns are associated with coronary artery narrowing. The study is sponsored by Nilocas, funded through a Queen Mary University of London Proof of Concept grant, hence classified as a non-commercial study. Findings may help inform future research into non-invasive ways of detecting coronary artery disease.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/YH/0100
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion