Innovative Noninvasive Ultrasound Technique for Assessing Central Venous Pressure Demonstrated in Clinical Study

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have successfully validated a groundbreaking noninvasive technique for measuring central venous pressure (CVP) through quantitative compression ultrasound (QCU). This development, highlighted in a recent publication in BME Frontiers, presents a significant improvement in cardiovascular diagnostics, offering a viable alternative to traditional invasive methods such as catheterization.

The pilot study involved 11 patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) at MGH, all of whom had central venous catheters in place as part of their routine medical treatment. The researchers gathered QCU data, which included ultrasound images of the short-axis cross-section of the internal jugular vein (IJV) along with simultaneous measurements of the force applied to the surface of the skin.

These noninvasive QCU measurements were carefully compared against the conventional invasive CVP data obtained from the patients' central venous catheters. Additionally, for comparative purposes, jugular venous pulsation height (JVP)--a standard noninvasive clinical measure--was recorded in some patients.

The results exhibited a strong correlation between the force required to fully occlude the IJV (referred to as collapse force or CF) and the invasive CVP measurements. Through linear regression analysis, the researchers achieved a remarkable correlation coefficient of 0.82, with a mean absolute error of merely 1.08 mmHg. When adjusted for hydrostatic pressure offset, the correlation improved slightly to 0.83. In comparison, the JVP measurements demonstrated a weaker connection, yielding a correlation of 0.45 and a mean absolute error of 1.39 mmHg.

The ability to accurately estimate CVP in a noninvasive manner holds significant clinical relevance. CVP is a crucial parameter in managing patients suffering from conditions like heart failure and sepsis, as it directly influences therapeutic decisions such as the adjustment of vasopressor medications or the administration of diuretics.

While traditional invasive techniques are known for their accuracy, they carry inherent risks, including potential complications and resource intensity. On the other hand, noninvasive methods like JVP are often hampered by variability due to different operators and reliance on the patient's positioning.

The QCU technique presents a transformative solution by providing reliable CVP estimates without the need for invasive procedures. This innovation has the potential to enhance clinical workflows, minimize patient discomfort, and facilitate more frequent monitoring, especially in settings with limited resources.

This research was conducted by a collaborative team at MIT and MGH, which included experts from various disciplines. The study was led by Brian W. Anthony from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, alongside colleagues from both the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering departments at MIT, as well as the Cardiology Division at MGH.

For further details, refer to the study: Alex T. Jaffe et al, Noninvasive Quantitative Compression Ultrasound Central Venous Pressure: A Clinical Pilot Study, BME Frontiers (2025).