C12282: Enhanced Whole Brain fMRINovelty:
This invention is a method to mitigate geometric distortion and signal dropout when performing whole brain imaging by blood-oxygenation-level-dependent fMRI.
Value Proposition:
Current approaches to blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI rely on 2D gradient echo (GRE) echo-planar-imaging (EPI), and are limited by geometric distortions and signal dropouts in regions near air cavities such as in the orbitofrontal cortex and temporal lobes. This method addresses these limitations. It relies on inducing BOLD contrast with a T2 or T2* preparation module prior to the imaging pulse and the use of a non-EPI pulse. Other advantages include:
• Minimal geometric distortion and signal dropouts
• Lower power deposition and greater spatial coverage
• Easier co-registration with anatomical images
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a method to address geometric distortion and signal dropout when performing BOLD fMRI of regions of the brain near air cavities such as orbitofrontal cortex and temporal lobes. Current BOLD fMRI experiments use 2D gradient echo (GRE) EPI which is limited by the issues mentioned above. This invention uses a T2 or T2* preparation module immediately prior to the imaging pulse. In addition, the 2D GRE-EPI has been replaced with a 3D fast GRE (also known as turbo field echo, TFE, or TurbFlash) for lower geometric distortion, signal dropout and lower power deposition .The images obtained using this approach are comparable to those seen in high resolution anatomical scans. This method can be used to obtain clear whole brain images or high resolution images of regions near air cavities. This technology will be useful in various areas such as neuroscience and cognitive science. In addition this method can be used for aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases and disorders.
Looking for Partners:
To develop & commercialize the technology as method/software to improve BOLD fMRI whole brain imaging.
Stage of Development:
Pre-Clinical
Data Availability:
Under CDA/NDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
Not available at this time.
