MedTrace Logo

PlaCEUS: Feasibility Study of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound to Visualize Maternal Uterine Spiral Arteries Postpartum.

NCT07422181 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 5

Last updated 2026-02-19

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

During pregnancy, unique blood vessels form within the uterine wall, known as spiral arteries. These vessels originate from the uterine artery, which is the main artery supplying blood to the uterus. Throughout pregnancy, spiral arteries undergo significant changes to increase blood and oxygen flow to the placenta, ensuring the developing baby receives adequate nutrients. When these arteries fail to remodel properly, complications such as pre-eclampsia or fetal growth restriction can occur.

Until now, direct observation and evaluation of spiral arteries during pregnancy has not been feasible. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound may provide a breakthrough in this area. In this study, the investigators aim to use this imaging technique to visualize spiral arteries after the placenta has been delivered. If successful, this could allow to assess their structural quality. Additionally, the investigators will employ ultrasound to monitor physiological changes in the uterine artery during late pregnancy (after 37 weeks), during labour, and postpartum.

By conducting these measurements, the investigators hope to develop methods for detecting spiral artery abnormalities earlier in pregnancy. Early identification could enable timely interventions and help prevent severe complications.

Conditions

  • Spiral Arteries
  • Uterine Artery Hemodynamics
  • Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound
  • Doppler Parameters
  • Resistance Index
  • Pulsatility Index
  • Systolic/Diastolic Ratio

Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

SonoVue (sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles)

SonoVue will be used in this study as ultrasound contrast agents for contrast enhanced ultrasound to assess the feasibility in visualizing and charactering the persistence of maternal uterine spiral arteries within 4 hours postpartum.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Maxima Medical Center

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
NA
Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
FEMALE
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-12-17
Primary Completion
2026-06-01
Completion
2026-07-01

Countries

  • Netherlands

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07422181 on ClinicalTrials.gov