Brain MRI
We apply advanced MRI technologies to study many different diseases. Examples include diffusion tensor/kurtosis imaging, treatment monitoring of response to gene therapy, localization and lateralization of language areas using fMRI, and quantification of cerebral blood flow using arterial spin labeling, to name a few.
Body MRI
Body MRI is an important area of our technical development, addressing specific needs in pediatric population.
Applying Deep Learning
There are strong interests in applying AI in image analysis and reconstruction. For example, developmental delay is a frequent concern in many young patients. Applying AI to determine the brain age can help accurate assessment. Using AI to look for lesions in the brain helps make diagnosis more efficient and reliable. In addition, using AI to remove motion artifacts can decrease the use of sedation/anesthesia which is undesirable.
Correcting Susceptibility Artifacts
Over 95% of orthodontic appliances are stainless steel which introduce magnetic susceptibility artifacts that can interfere with clinical brain MRI examinations. Removal of the orthodontic appliances are often needed, but this is very inconvenient and impractical in emergency situations. We have developed field correction device using permanent magnets. We are improving the device and moving towards commercialization. The same concept is applied to metal implants of other parts of the body.
Vibration Assessment During MRI
Vibrations during diffusion MRI are very strong and cause artifacts, especially in patients with a light weight such as neonates. We've started to quantify these motions using piezoelectric accelerometer combined with video motion amplification. This will allow us to better understand how to decrease vibration artifacts in diffusion imaging.