Novel Ultrasound Imaging System
We're looking for healthy participants to participate in a research study that is evaluating a novel transcranial ultrasound device, which aims to improve the diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries.
Study title: A comparison of 3T MRI imaging and transcranial US imaging of anatomical structures in healthy human adults
Research Summary
Diagnostic imaging practices for traumatic brain injuries currently rely on CT and MR, but these imaging modalities are costly, and in the case of CT, accompanied with risks that prevent repeated imaging over the course of the injury. Additionally, there is often little access to CT and MR imaging in field hospitals or rural areas. Ultrasound is a non-ionizing and less costly alternative, however the presence of the skull introduces many challenges to imaging.
The Focused Ultrasound Lab has developed a 3D transcranial imaging system designed to be used for imaging various anatomical features of the brain, such as ventricles. Once demonstrated to be effective, this system could be a low-cost imaging modality to allow for improved early assessment of traumatic brain injury. It would also allow for tracking progress of the injury, with repeated imaging.
In order to assess this technology, it must be compared against the “gold standard” for soft tissue imaging: MRI. In this research study, healthy participants will be imaged with both MR and ultrasound, in order to evaluate the efficacy of the 3D transcranial imaging system, and to help improve its performance.
Participation in this research study will include:
- One screening/consenting in-person interview
- One 2.5-hour visit to Sunnybrook for MR and ultrasound imaging
- Two short follow-up phone interviews
A small monetary gift is available for participating.
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria:
- Healthy adults, 18 – 65 years of age
- Participants who are technically amenable to ultrasound imaging
Exclusion criteria:
- Pregnancy
- Illness or trauma
- Inability to place the ultrasound probe on the patient (lacerations, etc.)
- History of headaches
- Conditions that would preclude the completion of an MRI exam such as claustrophobia, metal objects in the body, etc.
- Serious, unstable medical or mental illness
- Medical contraindication to any element of the research procedure
- Have not read and signed an informed consent form, or do not understand its contents
