Dynamic Phantom for fMRI

Background:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically used to obtain detailed pictures of organs and tissues inside the human body. An MRI machine frequently includes a large tube-shaped magnet in which a patient lies down. When an MRI system obtains images of the brain, structures such as the brainstem, cerebellum, and the four lobes of the cerebral cortex can be seen. These structures are largely made up of nerve cells that carry electrical brain signals. Such signals make up brain activities or functions. The basis for fMRIs that increases or decreases in activity in a region of the brain result in increases or decreases in blood flow in that brain region, which in turn increases or decreases the MR signal.

Technology Overview:

Researchers at Stony Brook University have created a dynamic phantom capable of producing controlled blood-oxygen level-dependent signal fluctuations within a scanner environment to evaluate and minimize the effect of scanner noise while keeping physiological noise fixed. The dynamic phantom serves as a platform for the future development of clinically-informed computational neuroscience techniques by providing a known, tightly controlled input with which to compare to downstream analyses methods and scanner performance.

Advantages:

Fully automated and programmable - Capable of complex inputs - Fully fMRI compatible with no metal components - Inexpensive to fabricate

Applications:

A platform for the future development of clinically-informed computational neuroscience techniques.

Intellectual Property Summary:

Patent application submitted

Stage of Development:

Prototype developed and available for testing. PCT filed

Licensing Status:

Available for license. Stony Brook seeks to develop and commercialize, by an exclusive or non-exclusive license agreement and/or sponsored research, with a company active in the area

Licensing Potential:

Development partner - Commercial partner - Licensing

Additional Information: