ULTRASOUND PROJECTS
PI:Professor Christian Nolsøe
Aim: This study investigates the feasibility and biological impact of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with sonoporation for colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Using translational research, we aim to assess CEUS-mediated sonoporation’s effects on tumor biology, including RNA sequencing and immune response analysis, to evaluate its potential for enhancing targeted cancer treatment.
Status: The project officially started on March 1, 2025, following received funding from Novo Nordisk. PhD student Maja Mønster Jeppesen is part of the project.
PI/Investigator: Professor Christian Nolsøe
Aim:This project aims to reduce social inequality in health by improving access to rapid diagnostics for patients in underserved areas with limited transportation options. By establishing a decentralized ultrasound function and integrating ‘Fast Track Surgical Ultrasound’ into the surgical outpatient clinic, the project seeks to:
- Ensure faster and more accessible diagnostics for patients in the Nykøbing Falster catchment area.
- Improve patient pathways by enabling direct referral for surgery without unnecessary delays.
- Alleviate the burden on patients and relatives caused by time-consuming and resource-intensive transportation.
- Reduce regional healthcare expenditures related to patient transport.
- Evaluate the clinical and economic impact of expedited diagnostics on patient pathways and healthcare costs.
- Prevent the progression of severe disease through earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, the project includes a systematic research component, where the clinical and economic effects of the initiative will be scientifically evaluated through cost-benefit analyses, waiting time assessments, and documentation of improved patient pathways.
A subsequent PhD project will investigate the impact of decentralized healthcare services on social inequality in health, patient-perceived benefits of reduced transport and faster diagnostics, the health economic consequences of a decentralized model, and the potential for preventing disease progression through earlier intervention. The research component will include patient data collection, qualitative interviews, and analyses of logistical and economic aspects, contributing to the scientific documentation and dissemination of the project’s outcomes.
Status: Funding applications have been submitted to various foundations. Initially, the project will be led and conducted by Bettina Holde Jørgensen and Charlotte Feveile-Mortensen from Team Nolsøe. In the long term, the plan is to recruit a PhD student to further advance the project.
PI/Investigator: Professor Christian Nolsøe
Aim: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of intraoperative intracorporeal bowel ultrasound as a supplemental tool in laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery for Crohn’s disease (CD). Given the loss of tactile feedback in minimally invasive procedures, we hypothesize that intracorporeal ultrasound can aid in assessing disease extent, optimizing resection margins, and improving surgical decision-making. This single-center feasibility study will assess the technical and practical implementation of this approach, including its impact on surgical workflow and potential benefits in bowel-sparing strategies.
Status: The project has started and is ongoing but will be put on hold for a period due to PhD Marie Høygaard Larsen’s maternity leave. Expected restart in February 2026.
PI/Investigator: Professor Christian Nolsøe
Aim: 1. To evaluate the current evidence on the clinical utility and outcomes of POCUS in abdominal surgery.
- To identify gaps in knowledge and future directions for integrating POCUS into surgical practice.
Status: The project is expected to commence in late 2025 with PhD student Oliver Wedel Fischer. Funding applications have been submitted to various foundations.