Basic Imaging Science & Engineering

The emphasis of this group is to develop fundamental aspects of the science and engineering of medical imaging systems.  With research topics covering many imaging modalities, our objective is a better understanding of the physical processes important in both conventional and unconventional imaging systems.  Applications of this work include the development of new MRI coil designs, studies of ultrasound wave propagation, x-ray diffraction imaging methods, and theoretical models predicting image quality and system performance.

Brain and Mind Imaging & Spectroscopy

This program concentrates on the interactions between the electrical, vascular and metabolic activity in the brain.  The major areas of research are: the study of the relationship between fMRI and human behaviour; the development of techniques to extend the spatial and temporal information in fMRI; the development and application of metabolic imaging and spectroscopy in disease; and the development of perfusion imaging techniques.

(Image) Functional MRI scan of a subject making eye movements to positions held in memory

Cardiovascular Imaging

The mission of this program is to develop, refine, and apply new vascular imaging methods to solve the major vascular disease problems facing our society.  The major areas of research are: studies of vessel wall/plaque hemodynamics with a particular focus on carotid artery plaque rupture leading to stroke, studies of the microvasculature and tissue ischemia in the brain and heart, and development of vascular image guidance and interventional techniques.

(Image) Data reconstructed using a combination of black blood MRI, computational fluid dynamics, and sophisticated image processing techniques.

Cellular and Micro-imaging

This is a new andexpanding area of research involving close collaboration between the imaging scientists and scientists working in neuroscience, stem cell biology, immunology, virology and genetics to study disease processes in experimental animal models using magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM), micro 3D computed tomography (CT), and micro 3D ultrasound.

(Image) Micro-computed tomography was used to obtain this image of the skeletal anatomy of an intact mouse.  The entire mouse was imaged with an isotropic spatial resolution of 0.05 mm, using equipment developed as part of a collaboration between the John P. Robarts Research Institute and Enhanced Vision Systems.

Clinical (Translational) Imaging

This research theme is focused on developing clinical imaging tools that can provide methods of non-invasively understanding disease progression and regression. Human diseases and conditions of the lung, heart and brain as well as cancer are our primary focus, but any human disease in which imaging tools can be developed to improve prediction, prevention and monitoring of disease is supported. Our mission is to promote and support: disease-related translational and clinical research in imaging sciences and technology, and integration and application of these imaging discoveries and developments to the understanding of disease biology and to the clinical management of disease and disease risk.

Image-Guided Surgery & Therapy

The focus of this team is on the development of minimally invasive surgery and therapy techniques based on image guidance using 3D MR, CT and ultrasound, with applications in: neurosurgery, prostate cancer therapy, breast cancer biopsy, MR-guided cardiac intervention, robotic cardiac surgery and robotic-aided prostate therapy. 

(Image) Mouth, Finger, Foot paresthesias  (all contralateral), Microstimulation (300Hz, <100µA, 0.2ms), Medial (face) to Lateral (foot) Somatotopy

Musculoskeletal Imaging

This team is working closely with orthopedic surgeons on the development of techniques to improve the initial placement and alignment of prosthetic devices by providing real-time image guidance during surgery; the development of advanced 3D CT techniques to monitor the joint after surgery, and the quantification of prosthetic wear and bone resorption during clinical trials, and the development of high-resolution MRI techniques for cartilage imaging using 4 Tesla.

(Image) Three-dimensional CT techniques have been applied to studies of human joint disorders.  This image shows a volume rendering of 3-D CT data of a human knee, obtained as part of a study of bone density changes due to osteoarthritis.

Oncological Imaging

This theme brings together investigators at the IRL and their collaborators who are primarily focused on brain, prostate and breast cancer research; however, other organ sites of cancer are also being investigated. The research program deals with diagnosis and therapy applications in humans as well as basic research in animal models using micro-imaging systems. The program is making use of all imaging modalities, including, MRI, MRS, CT, Ultrasound, PET and SPECT.

(Image) Brain MRI showing a glioma (white mass) and surrounding edema (dark region)

Respiratory (Pulmonary) Imaging

This theme is motivated by the increasing health concerns associated with lung disease, including obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Imaging approaches are based on CT and MRI, both preclinical and clinical and involve clinical and basic science collaborators in London hospitals and UWO. In particular, we are focusing on the use of hyperpolarized noble gas (HNG) MRI, an exciting new technique, which reveals the airways of the lung with unprecedented clarity. IRL has the only turnkey clinical HNG production facility in Canada and one of only a handful worldwide.