Three-Dimensional Maps of Brain Wiring
At the Eindhoven University of Technology, a team of researchers has developed a software tool that physicians can now use to easily study the wiring of the brains of their patients. The tool converts MRI scans using special techniques to three-dimensional images. This now makes it possible to view a total picture of the winding roads and their contacts without having to operate.
This medical mapping device was developed by researcher Anna Vilanova. The tool is based on a recently developed technology called HARDI (High Angular Resolution Diffusion Imaging). The MRI measuring technique for HARDI was already there, and the research team took care of the processing, interpretation, and interactive visualization of the very complex data, in order for the 3-D mapping images to be seen.
This new mapping device is of immense importance for neurosurgeons in helping to know accurately where the main nerve bundles in the brain are located. Bart ter Haar Romenji, professor of Biomedical Image Analysis, at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, explains, "With this new tool, you can determine exactly where to place the stimulation electrode in the brain. The guiding map has been improved: because we now see the roads on the map, we know better where to stick the needle." It is important for brain surgeons to know in advance where the critical nerve bundles are, to avoid damaging them. The 3-D technique may also yield many new insights into neurological and psychiatric disorders.
The accuracy of the tool is also a great step forward, especially since intersections of nerve bundles were difficult to identify until now. Ter Haar Romenji stated, "You can now see for the first time the spaghetti-like structures and their connection." This mapping instrument is far from seeing all brain connections, since there are many smaller compounds in the brain.
There are still some improvements that are needed for this mapping device. It still needs to be proved that the images match reality. Also, there is still work to be done on the speed of the corresponding MRI scan. For a detailed view, a patient needs to be in the scanner for one hour, which is too long. It is expected though that this tool can be ready for use in hospitals within a few years.
This article is of particular interest to me because of studies we have done in class of the brain and neurological matters. It is also interesting that this medical device is so important and useful but also still needs essential research and improvements. This could be a big research object when we graduate, and something some of us could research and work on!
Sources: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101028073914.htm
Katherine Wright
VTPP 434-502
This medical mapping device was developed by researcher Anna Vilanova. The tool is based on a recently developed technology called HARDI (High Angular Resolution Diffusion Imaging). The MRI measuring technique for HARDI was already there, and the research team took care of the processing, interpretation, and interactive visualization of the very complex data, in order for the 3-D mapping images to be seen.
This new mapping device is of immense importance for neurosurgeons in helping to know accurately where the main nerve bundles in the brain are located. Bart ter Haar Romenji, professor of Biomedical Image Analysis, at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, explains, "With this new tool, you can determine exactly where to place the stimulation electrode in the brain. The guiding map has been improved: because we now see the roads on the map, we know better where to stick the needle." It is important for brain surgeons to know in advance where the critical nerve bundles are, to avoid damaging them. The 3-D technique may also yield many new insights into neurological and psychiatric disorders.
The accuracy of the tool is also a great step forward, especially since intersections of nerve bundles were difficult to identify until now. Ter Haar Romenji stated, "You can now see for the first time the spaghetti-like structures and their connection." This mapping instrument is far from seeing all brain connections, since there are many smaller compounds in the brain.
There are still some improvements that are needed for this mapping device. It still needs to be proved that the images match reality. Also, there is still work to be done on the speed of the corresponding MRI scan. For a detailed view, a patient needs to be in the scanner for one hour, which is too long. It is expected though that this tool can be ready for use in hospitals within a few years.
This article is of particular interest to me because of studies we have done in class of the brain and neurological matters. It is also interesting that this medical device is so important and useful but also still needs essential research and improvements. This could be a big research object when we graduate, and something some of us could research and work on!
Sources: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101028073914.htm
Katherine Wright
VTPP 434-502
posted by Katherine.Wright at 7:29 PM
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