Dutch Researchers Replace Risky Blood Monitoring Catheters with Neck Ultrasound
Eindhoven, Thursday, 15 January 2026.
Eindhoven University researchers developed a breakthrough carotid ultrasound technique that monitors patient circulation without invasive catheters. The four-year study shows neck ultrasound can track blood flow with the same precision as current catheter methods, potentially eliminating infection risks and patient discomfort during surgery and intensive care monitoring.
Medical Innovation Category and Key Benefits
This innovation falls squarely within the healthtech category, representing a significant advancement in medical imaging and patient monitoring technology [1]. The breakthrough offers multiple clinical benefits that address long-standing challenges in cardiovascular monitoring. Traditional hemodynamic monitoring requires inserting catheters directly into patients’ bloodstream, creating substantial risks of complications and patient discomfort [1][2]. De Boer’s carotid ultrasound technique eliminates these risks by providing a completely non-invasive alternative that maintains the same level of precision as current invasive methods [1][2]. The technique enables continuous monitoring of critical circulation parameters, including pulsating changes in carotid artery diameter and blood flow velocity, essential data for managing patients during surgery and in intensive care units [1][2].
Technical Innovation and Methodology
The technical breakthrough centers on solving a fundamental challenge that had previously limited carotid ultrasound for continuous monitoring. During conventional short-term carotid examinations, ultrasound probes are typically positioned in line with the blood vessel [2]. However, this approach proved inadequate for continuous monitoring because patient or physician movements disrupted the clear visualization of the carotid artery [2]. De Boer’s innovation involved developing a technique where the ultrasound probe is rotated and tilted to maintain a sharp, continuous image of the carotid artery regardless of movement [1][2]. This positioning breakthrough enables healthcare professionals to extract reliable circulation parameters from patient data, including the critical measurements of arterial diameter changes and blood flow velocity that indicate cardiovascular status [1][2]. The technique has undergone four years of development, with De Boer conducting patient measurements directly in operating rooms alongside anesthesiologists at Catharina Hospital [2].
Research Leadership and Institutional Collaboration
The innovation originates from the collaborative efforts of Esmée de Boer, a technical medicine specialist from the University of Twente who completed her PhD research at Eindhoven University of Technology [1]. De Boer’s research represents a multi-institutional collaboration involving TU/e, Catharina Hospital, and Philips Research, demonstrating the integrated approach required for advanced medical technology development [1][2]. Since summer 2025, De Boer has transitioned to working as a technical consultant at Performation, where she continues developing software solutions for healthcare institutions, including systems that help hospitals optimize resource allocation for personnel, beds, and operating rooms [1][2]. The research was conducted under the supervision of Arthur R.A. Bouwman, Massimo Mischi, and Catarina Dinis Fernandes, reflecting the interdisciplinary expertise required for this medical technology advancement [6].
Future Clinical Applications and Development Timeline
While De Boer’s studies demonstrate promising results comparable to current invasive monitoring methods, she emphasizes that the research remains small-scale and requires significant technological optimization and automation before routine clinical implementation [2]. The current studies provide preliminary evidence that carotid ultrasound parameters offer a reliable picture of blood circulation dynamics, potentially replacing catheter-based methods in specific future applications [1][2]. Looking ahead, the traditional ultrasound probe technology may evolve into smart patch systems containing integrated ultrasound sensors, representing the next generation of this monitoring approach [1]. De Boer notes that comprehensive development and validation work must be completed before this technique becomes a standard tool in hospital settings, but the research represents a crucial first step toward achieving that clinical goal [6]. The innovation’s potential extends beyond immediate patient safety benefits to include cost reductions and improved patient comfort in critical care environments.