Vevo F2 LT small animal ultrasound

About This Grant

Project Summary/Abstract: We are requesting funds through the NIH Shared Instrumentation Grant (SIG) program to acquire a FUJIFILM VisualSonics Vevo F2 LT high-resolution ultrasound imaging system. This instrument will establish new, centralized ultrasound imaging capabilities, where no small-animal ultrasound system currently exists. The addition of the Vevo F2 LT system will significantly expand the research capacity of our campus, enabling innovative investigations that are not currently feasible due to lack of access to real-time, non-invasive in vivo cardiac and tumor imaging. The Vevo F2 LT will support the research of 10 investigators across multiple departments and two universities. Major users are leading research projects focused on heart disease, cancer, metabolic dysfunction, and regenerative medicine—fields that require precise, longitudinal measurement of tissue structure, function, perfusion, fibrosis, and vascular health in small animal models. Minor users and early-career investigators will also benefit through training, pilot data generation, and increased competitiveness for NIH and other extramural funding. The Vevo F2 LT ultrasound offers a unique combination of high spatial and temporal resolution that allows for contrast-enhanced imaging and cardiac function assessment in animals ranging in size from the rat to zebrafish — previously unavailable on our campus. Institutional support includes dedicated space within our vivarium’s centralized imaging core, personnel for training and operations, and a user structure to ensure efficient access to the instrument. This investment will strengthen cross-disciplinary collaborations and foster a broader scope of research for all users. The addition of the Vevo F2 LT system will address a major gap in our research infrastructure, catalyzing new lines of inquiry and accelerating progress on major public health challenges, while advancing biomedical research at our institution.