Background

Despite increasing capabilities of imaging technologies, the exact representation of natural, highly complex brain structures in a quality required for brain surgery is still a challenge. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a high potential technique for investigations of the anatomical connectivity of the human brain. However, phantoms for calibration and validation of such applications are not available due to the complexity and intricacy of the studied structures.

Medical imaging is increasingly used to investigate the anatomical connectivity of the human brain prior to brain surgery. With this new method, it is possible to produce a phantom representing the fine structures of nerve tissue for the exact calibration of diffusion MRI devices to achieve a previously unreached representation of detail. This will open new possibilities for applications of MRI.

Technology Overview

The diffusion phantoms presented here represent the fine structures of nerve tissue for the exact calibration of MRI devices to allow determination of the exact geometry and gradient of the fibers in various parts of the brain. The phantom design is characterized by (i) small fiber diameter (close to the axon diameter), (ii) sharply bounded fiber walls to maximize the signal, (iii)crossing fiber layout with defined geometry for exact calibration.

Stage of Development

Prototype

Benefits

First phantom prototypes were produced using a commercially available high-resolution 3D printer
Hitherto unreached fiber geometries
Validation data available

Applications

Calibration of MRI

Opportunity

We are looking for licensees of the patented method.

MRI Phantom for Determination of the Direction of Nerve Fibers in the Brain

Patents

IP Status

Seeking