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Current Research Studies

An Exploration of Velopharyngeal Morphology in Children with Complex Velopharyngeal Function

MRI for Complex VPI

Phase: N/A

What is the goal of the study?

Velopharyngeal (VP) closure is crucial for normal speech and the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle is the primary contributor to VP closure, yet recent evidence suggests that current approaches to VP imaging do not adequately image this muscle.1 VP-MRI allows quantitative assessment of VP anatomy and is the only imaging modality that allows direct visualization of LVP morphology. However, VP-MRI is underutilized in clinical practice. The aims of this project are to: (1) evaluate LVP morphology in individuals with complex VP function and, (2) inform clinical utility of VP-MRI at SCH.

Who can participate in the study?

Please contact the study team listed below to learn more.

Study Team:

PI (Study Doctor): Sara Kinter
Study Team Member: Anna Meehan, [email protected]

Seattle Children’s complies with applicable federal and other civil rights laws and does not discriminate, exclude people or treat them differently based on race, color, religion (creed), sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin (ancestry), age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is in Washington, Alaska, Montana or Idaho.