Browse Technologies

• 
• 
• 
• 

Hyperpolarization of nuclear spin ensembles has increased NMR sensitivity to a level that is now enabling detection of metabolism in biological tissue on a time-scale of seconds. The present invention is a pulse sequence that efficiently transforms parahydrogen spin order into heteronuclear magnetization. This was achieved via a single streamlined sequence without recursive application, by finding sequential analytic solutions to the density matrix evolution for each of four independent intervals that collectively flank two proton inversions and one heteronuclear excitation. The name hyper-SHIELDED (Singlet to Heteronuclei by Interative Evolution Locks Dramatic Enhancement for Delivery) reflects the sequence's protective effect on PHIP hyperpolarization.

Researchers in Vanderbilt University's STORM Lab have developed a novel actuation system that uses magnetic coupling to transmit mechanical power across a physical barrier. This technology is particularly suited for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures for manipulating surgical instruments across tissue barriers.

Vanderbilt researchers have developed a new method for using contrast enhanced MRI to non-invasively map and quantify cell size on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Using this approach, it is possible to monitor and detect diseases or treatments that alter the distribution of cell sizes such as cancer, muscular dystrophy, hepatocellular hypertrophy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Vanderbilt researchers have developed a new system to detect the position, orientation, and pressure exerted on surrounding tissues of a wireless capsule endoscopy device.  Magnetic coupling is one of the few physical phenomena capable of transmitting actuation forces across a physical barrier.  Magnetic manipulation has the potential to make surgery less invasive, by allowing untethered miniature devices to enter the body through natural orifices or tiny incisions, and then maneuver with minimal disruption to healthy tissue.  In order to accomplish this goal, the pose (position and orientation) of the medical device must be available in real time.