Sunday, May 18, 2025
5/18/2025
Request for the Acquisition of a Vevo F2 Ultrasound Imaging System - Project Summary/Abstract We are applying for funds to purchase the Vevo F2 imaging system from VisualSonics (Fujifilm) to be used by the investigators at Quillen College of Medicine (QCOM), College of Public Health and College of Arts and Sciences at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). This imaging system will replace our current ultrasound system, the Vevo 1100 from VisualSonics (Fujifilm), which is nearly ten years old and is no longer supported by the manufacturer. The failure of the current system will leave our institution without an ultrasound imaging system. We currently have many cardiovascular and cancer researchers who use the Vevo 1100 and have published images acquired on this machine for nearly a decade. The Vevo F2 imaging system boasts new and updated features compared to the Vevo 1100, which will make the system useful for our eight major and four minor users across multiple disciplines of heart, vasculature, and oncology research. Features specific to the Vevo F2 that will be particularly useful to our investigators include HD (high definition) image processing to generate clearer images, advanced software that includes artificial intelligence algorithms for image analysis, 4D imaging to enable dynamic changes over time, and cardiac strain analysis. The Vevo F2 imaging system will primarily be used by NIH-funded investigators, but it will also provide ultrasound imaging access to junior faculty who are currently seeking NIH funding. The Vevo F2 imaging system will enhance our imaging quality and speed to make us more competitive in our research efforts. The Vevo F2 imaging system will be housed in a central location to ensure access to all users. An abundance of institutional support will ensure the successful use of this imaging system at ETSU. Provisions have been made with the Dean of QCOM, the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Education (QCOM), and the Department of Biomedical Sciences (QCOM) to fund two computers to be dedicated to the Vevo F2 imaging system, a supplemental Vevo analysis software package, a stipend for our dedicated trainer, salaries of the Principal Investigators and Manager, an anesthesia system to accompany the Vevo F2, and four years of a service contract with the VisualSonics, Fujifilm company after the included one-year service contract expires. The Vice Provost for Research and Chief Research Officer (ETSU) has endorsed the acquisition of the Vevo F2 imaging system. His office will provide necessary administrative and logistical support for the set-up and maintenance of the new system. An advisory committee has been established to oversee training, calendar appointments, animal care, and overall usage of the instrument. Our users would like to stress that no other options for ultrasound imaging capabilities are available to us at ETSU if the retired Vevo 1100 imaging system goes down. Thus, the Vevo F2 imaging system would satisfy a significant research need at our institution.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).