Medical Imaging

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The standard for kidney stone detection is through the use of computed tomography (CT). However, CT is expensive and delivers harmful ionizing radiation into the body. Ultrasound would be the ideal way to detect kidney stones except that it performs poorly in detecting and accurately sizing stones. Vanderbilt researchers inventors have developed a technique that is able to separate hard, mineralized material (i.e kidney stones) from soft tissue in a way that is both cheaper and safer than CT and performs better than conventional ultrasound imaging.

The Vanderbilt University Biomedical Modeling Laboratory, led by Dr. Michael Miga, has developed a method to overcome intra-operative brain shifts experienced during neurosurgery using computer modeling that augments standard image-guided surgery technology. Current standard of care methods of image-guided surgery have limitations on accuracy, which is overcome by this new method.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most important and versatile tools in the repertoire of diagnostics and medical imaging. Vanderbilt researchers have developed a novel, geometry independent, self-decoupling radiofrequency (RF) coil design that will allow MRI machines to generate images at a faster rate and with greater image quality.

Vanderbilt students have created a stabilization system for secure and stable MRI positioning of hands, wrists, knees, shoulders, and the lower back, using affordable, easy to use, and readily available materials. The system effectively reduces image blurring using a non-irritating film and a supportive frame. This device can simultaneously improve MRI diagnosis, enhance the patient experience, and minimize the time and financial burdens of image retakes.