Research interests

  • Interests
    Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical

Publications

  • 14.82
    Impact points
    High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging enhanced with superparamagnetic nanoparticles measures macrophage burden in atherosclerosis.

    Kunio Morishige, Daniel F Kacher, Peter Libby, Lee Josephson, Peter Ganz, Ralph Weissleder, Masanori Aikawa

    Circulation. 10/2010; 122(17):1707-15.

    Macrophages contribute to the progression and acute complications of atherosclerosis. Macrophage imaging may serve as a biomarker to identify subclinical inflamed lesions, to predict future risk, and to aid in the assessment of novel therapies. To test the hypothesis that nanoparticle-enhanced, high... [more] Macrophages contribute to the progression and acute complications of atherosclerosis. Macrophage imaging may serve as a biomarker to identify subclinical inflamed lesions, to predict future risk, and to aid in the assessment of novel therapies. To test the hypothesis that nanoparticle-enhanced, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can measure plaque macrophage accumulation, we used 3-T MRI with a macrophage-targeted superparamagnetic nanoparticle preparation (monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticles-47 [MION-47]) in cholesterol-fed New Zealand White rabbits 6 months after balloon injury. In vivo MRI visualized thickened abdominal aortas on both T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo images (T1 spin echo, 20 axial slices per animal; T2 spin echo, 28 slices per animal). Seventy-two hours after MION-47 injection, aortas exhibited lower T2 signal intensity compared with before contrast imaging (signal intensity ratio, aortic wall/muscle: before, 1.44 ± 0.26 versus after, 0.95 ± 0.22; 164 slices; P<0.01), whereas T1 spin echo images showed no significant change. MRI on ex vivo specimens provided similar results. Histological studies colocalized iron accumulation with immunoreactive macrophages in atheromata. The magnitude of signal intensity reduction on T2 spin echo in vivo images further correlated with macrophage areas in situ (150 slices; r=0.73). Treatment with rosuvastatin for 3 months yielded diminished macrophage content (P<0.05) and reversed T2 signal intensity changes (P<0.005). Signal changes in rosuvastatin-treated rabbits correlated with reduced macrophage burden (r=0.73). In vitro validation studies showed concentration-dependent MION-47 uptake by human primary macrophages. The magnitude of T2 signal intensity reduction in high-resolution MRI after administration of superparamagnetic phagocytosable nanoparticles can assess macrophage burden in atheromata, providing a clinically translatable tool to identify inflamed plaques and to monitor therapy-mediated changes in plaque inflammation.
  • 2.77
    Impact points
    Negative pressure fixation device to reduce motion artifacts on contrast-enhanced MRI of the breast: a clinical feasibility study.

    Asha Balakrishnan, Daniel F Kacher, Eva Gombos, Darrell N Smith, Macarena Carretero, Bill Leon, Carlos V Freyre, Steven E Chavoustie

    Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI. 09/2009; 30(2):430-6.

    PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of a negative pressure fixation device on misregistration artifacts in contrast-enhanced (CE) MR subtraction images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients, two of which had been previously diagnosed with breast cancer, were examined with T2-weighted (T2-w) turbo spi... [more] PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of a negative pressure fixation device on misregistration artifacts in contrast-enhanced (CE) MR subtraction images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients, two of which had been previously diagnosed with breast cancer, were examined with T2-weighted (T2-w) turbo spin-echo (TSE) and three-dimensional (3D) spoiled gradient-recalled echo (SPGR) CE dynamic MRI. Baselines images were subtracted from the dynamic images. A device consisting of two stiff plastic domes was placed on the breasts of each patient. Negative pressure of 27 to 37 mmHg within the domes was maintained. The patient was positioned prone in the coil without the device and imaged as a baseline. Subsequently, the patient was placed into the negative pressure domes and reimaged. One of the nine patients was also imaged supine to establish feasibility for this positioning. RESULTS: With the use of the negative pressure fixation device, a reduction in misregistration artifact has been demonstrated in prone imaging. Patients reported improved comfort with the device and feasibility has been shown for supine imaging. CONCLUSION: The device was shown to be MRI-compatible and successfully applied in this pilot study, opening other avenues of exploration. Supine positioning for breast imaging makes possible better access for biopsy and intervention. Further modifications to the device are in order for this purpose and to eliminate motion due to breathing in the prone position.
  • 3.30
    Impact points
  • 3.54
    Impact points
    Simultaneous Ultrasound and MRI System for Breast Biopsy: Compatibility Assessment and Demonstration in a Dual Modality Phantom

    A.M. Tang, D.F. Kacher, E.Y. Lam, K.K. Wong, F.A. Jolesz, E.S. Yang

    Medical Imaging, IEEE Transactions on. 03/2008;

    Simultaneous capturing of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) images allows fusion of information obtained from both modalities. We propose an MR-compatible US system where MR images are acquired in a known orientation with respect to the US imaging plane and concurrent real-time imaging can... [more] Simultaneous capturing of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) images allows fusion of information obtained from both modalities. We propose an MR-compatible US system where MR images are acquired in a known orientation with respect to the US imaging plane and concurrent real-time imaging can be achieved. Compatibility of the two imaging devices is a major issue in the physical setup. Tests were performed to quantify the radio frequency (RF) noise introduced in MR and US images, with the US system used in conjunction with MRI scanner of different field strengths (0.5 T and 3 T). Furthermore, simultaneous imaging was performed on a dual modality breast phantom in the 0.5 T open bore and 3 T close bore MRI systems to aid needle-guided breast biopsy. Fiducial based passive tracking and electromagnetic based active tracking were used in 3 T and 0.5 T, respectively, to establish the location and orientation of the US probe inside the magnet bore. Our results indicate that simultaneous US and MR imaging are feasible with properly-designed shielding, resulting in negligible broadband noise and minimal periodic RF noise in both modalities. US can be used for real time display of the needle trajectory, while MRI can be used to confirm needle placement.
  • 3.54
    Impact points
    Simultaneous ultrasound and MRI system for breast biopsy: compatibility assessment and demonstration in a dual modality phantom.

    Annie M Tang, Daniel F Kacher, Edmund Y Lam, Kelvin K Wong, Ferenc A Jolesz, Edward S Yang

    IEEE transactions on medical imaging. 03/2008; 27(2):247-54.

    Simultaneous capturing of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) images allows fusion of information obtained from both modalities. We propose an MR-compatible US system where MR images are acquired in a known orientation with respect to the US imaging plane and concurrent real-time imaging can... [more] Simultaneous capturing of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) images allows fusion of information obtained from both modalities. We propose an MR-compatible US system where MR images are acquired in a known orientation with respect to the US imaging plane and concurrent real-time imaging can be achieved. Compatibility of the two imaging devices is a major issue in the physical setup. Tests were performed to quantify the radio frequency (RF) noise introduced in MR and US images, with the US system used in conjunction with MRI scanner of different field strengths (0.5 T and 3 T). Furthermore, simultaneous imaging was performed on a dual modality breast phantom in the 0.5 T open bore and 3 T close bore MRI systems to aid needle-guided breast biopsy. Fiducial based passive tracking and electromagnetic based active tracking were used in 3 T and 0.5 T, respectively, to establish the location and orientation of the US probe inside the magnet bore. Our results indicate that simultaneous US and MR imaging are feasible with properly-designed shielding, resulting in negligible broadband noise and minimal periodic RF noise in both modalities. US can be used for real time display of the needle trajectory, while MRI can be used to confirm needle placement.
  • 4.29
    Impact points
    Improved characterization of atherosclerotic plaques by gadolinium contrast during intravascular magnetic resonance imaging of human arteries.

    Eric Larose, Scott Kinlay, Andrew P Selwyn, Yerem Yeghiazarians, E Kent Yucel, Daniel F Kacher, Peter Libby, Peter Ganz

    Atherosclerosis. 02/2008; 196(2):919-25.

    To determine whether gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA) facilitates discrimination of fibrous, lipid or calcified constituents during intravascular magnetic resonance imaging (IVMRI) of human atherosclerotic arteries. Atherosclerotic plaques that cause fatal thrombosis due to rupture have high content of lip... [more] To determine whether gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA) facilitates discrimination of fibrous, lipid or calcified constituents during intravascular magnetic resonance imaging (IVMRI) of human atherosclerotic arteries. Atherosclerotic plaques that cause fatal thrombosis due to rupture have high content of lipid relative to fibrous tissue. We recently demonstrated that IVMRI identifies lipid, fibrous, and calcified components within atherosclerotic human arteries with favorable sensitivity and specificity. Gd-DTPA, a T1-shortening agent, selectively amplifies the signal from fibrous tissue on T1 weighted (T1w) surface MRI. A 0.030 in. diameter receiver coil coupled to a 1.5T MR scanner was positioned in iliac arteries of nine subjects with atherosclerosis. Previously validated multi-parametric analysis of T1w and moderate T2w images identified 137 fibrous, lipid and calcified regions of interest within 37 arterial segments. T1w imaging was repeated following 0.1 mmol/kg IV Gd-DTPA infusion. Computer-derived mean gray value in fibrous regions increased by 34.2% with Gd-DTPA (95% CI 24.3-43.5%, p=0.0001) while lipid and calcified regions showed only a non-significant increase of 4.3% (95% CI -0.6 to 9.2%, p=0.0825) and 3.8% (95% CI -1.1 to 7.7%, p=0.103), respectively. The increase in mean gray value with Gd-DTPA was greater for fibrous than for lipid or calcified regions (p=0.0001). Gd-DTPA selectively enhances signal intensity of fibrous constituents during IVMRI of human atherosclerotic arteries and thus identifies key tissue characteristics associated with plaque stability. These findings have important implications for the assessment of plaque-stabilizing therapies and ultimately for reducing cardiovascular events.
  • Multi-modal Imaging: Simultaneous MRI and Ultrasound Imaging for Carotid Arteries Visualization

    A.M. Tang, D.F. Kacher, E.Y. Lam, M. Brodsky, F.A. Jolesz, E.S. Yang

    Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2007. EMBS 2007. 29th Annual International Conference of the IEEE; 09/2007

    The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of simultaneous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound (US) imaging in visualizing anatomical structures and functions in human carotid arteries. US has high frame rate in visualizing dynamic changes while high resolution MRI is capabl... [more] The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of simultaneous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound (US) imaging in visualizing anatomical structures and functions in human carotid arteries. US has high frame rate in visualizing dynamic changes while high resolution MRI is capable of capturing volumetric structures with the best tissue contrast. Concurrent multi-modal image acquisition allows fusion of US Doppler flow measurement with volumetric MRI. We present a method for acquiring MR images in a known orientation with respect to US image by passive fiducial tracking and demonstrate concurrent real-time imaging in the right Common Carotid Artery (CCA) in both modalities. Preliminary results suggest that US and MRI can operate concurrently with proper shielding. Dispensability measurements are feasible on both modalities at the co-incident plane.
  • Multi-modal imaging: simultaneous MRI and ultrasound imaging for carotid arteries visualization.

    Annie M Tang, Daniel F Kacher, Edmund Y Lam, Michael Brodsky, Ferenc A Jolesz, Edward S Yang

    Conference proceedings : ... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Conference. 02/2007; 2007:2603-6.

    The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of simultaneous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound (US) imaging in visualizing anatomical structures and functions in human carotid arteries. US has high frame rate in visualizing dynamic changes while high resolution MRI is capabl... [more] The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of simultaneous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound (US) imaging in visualizing anatomical structures and functions in human carotid arteries. US has high frame rate in visualizing dynamic changes while high resolution MRI is capable of capturing volumetric structures with the best tissue contrast. Concurrent multi-modal image acquisition allows fusion of US Doppler flow measurement with volumetric MRI. We present a method for acquiring MR images in a known orientation with respect to US image by passive fiducial tracking and demonstrate concurrent real-time imaging in the right Common Carotid Artery (CCA) in both modalities. Preliminary results suggest that US and MRI can operate concurrently with proper shielding. Dispensability measurements are feasible on both modalities at the co-incident plane.
  • 1.22
    Impact points
    Robot-assisted needle placement in open MRI: system architecture, integration and validation.

    S P DiMaio, S Pieper, K. Chinzei, N Hata, S J Haker, D F Kacher, G. Fichtinger, C M Tempany, R Kikinis

    Computer aided surgery : official journal of the International Society for Computer Aided Surgery. 02/2007; 12(1):15-24.

    In prostate cancer treatment, there is a move toward targeted interventions for biopsy and therapy, which has precipitated the need for precise image-guided methods for needle placement. This paper describes an integrated system for planning and performing percutaneous procedures with robotic assist... [more] In prostate cancer treatment, there is a move toward targeted interventions for biopsy and therapy, which has precipitated the need for precise image-guided methods for needle placement. This paper describes an integrated system for planning and performing percutaneous procedures with robotic assistance under MRI guidance. A graphical planning interface allows the physician to specify the set of desired needle trajectories, based on anatomical structures and lesions observed in the patient's registered pre-operative and pre-procedural MR images, immediately prior to the intervention in an open-bore MRI scanner. All image-space coordinates are automatically computed, and are used to position a needle guide by means of an MRI-compatible robotic manipulator, thus avoiding the limitations of the traditional fixed needle template. Automatic alignment of real-time intra-operative images aids visualization of the needle as it is manually inserted through the guide. Results from in-scanner phantom experiments are provided.
  • 1.08
    Impact points
    Image-guided neurosurgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital

    S.P. Dimaio, N. Archip, N. Hata, I.-F. Talos, S.K. Warfield, A. Majumdar, N. McDannold, K. Hynynen, P.R. Morrison, W.M.I.I.I. Wells, D.F. Kacher, R.E. Ellis, A.J. Golby, P.M. Black, F.A. Jolesz, R. Kikinis

    Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine, IEEE. 10/2006;

    In this article, we report efforts to integrate a number of state-of-the-art technologies for MRI-guided neurosurgery at the Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Boston. These include advanced intraoperative imaging, image registration, visualization, navigation, minimally invasive ablative the... [more] In this article, we report efforts to integrate a number of state-of-the-art technologies for MRI-guided neurosurgery at the Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Boston. These include advanced intraoperative imaging, image registration, visualization, navigation, minimally invasive ablative therapies, and robotics. This is part of a multidisciplinary Image-Guided Therapy Program that comprises several key research thrusts, including the surgical planning laboratory, magnetic resonance therapy (MRT), focused ultrasound surgery, thermal ablation, and neurosurgery
  • Breast focused ultrasound surgery with magnetic resonance guidance.

    Eva C Gombos, Daniel F Kacher, Hidemi Furusawa, Kiyoshi Namba

    Topics in magnetic resonance imaging : TMRI. 07/2006; 17(3):181-8.

    This paper will review the experience and current applications of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) for treatment of breast tumors. Because of the efficient screening mammography programs, most of the breast cancers diagnosed today in the United States and European Union ... [more] This paper will review the experience and current applications of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) for treatment of breast tumors. Because of the efficient screening mammography programs, most of the breast cancers diagnosed today in the United States and European Union are in early stage and are treated with limited surgery. The MRgFUS may offer an alternative treatment option to conventional surgical lumpectomy with the advantage of being a noninvasive procedure and potentially achieving a better cosmetic outcome. Selection of appropriate patients is of paramount importance. Additional studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of the MRgFUS tumor ablation and define its role as a replacement for surgical lumpectomy.
  • 2.86
    Impact points
    DuraSeal magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging: evaluation in a canine craniotomy model.

    Daniel F Kacher, Kai Frerichs, Jeffrey Pettit, Patrick K Campbell, Tim Meunch, Alexander M Norbash

    Neurosurgery. 03/2006; 58(1 Suppl):ONS140-7; discussion ONS140-7.

    OBJECTIVE: Several novel sealing materials have been proposed as an adjunct to sutured dural closure to help insure watertight closure, thus diminishing the risk of pseudomeningocele formation. This evaluation was undertaken to clarify the in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomogr... [more] OBJECTIVE: Several novel sealing materials have been proposed as an adjunct to sutured dural closure to help insure watertight closure, thus diminishing the risk of pseudomeningocele formation. This evaluation was undertaken to clarify the in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomographic (CT) scan characteristics of one such sealant, which has a high water content, permitting similar imaging characteristics to pseudomeningoceles and inflammatory collections. METHODS: After a craniotomy in two canine subjects, we sprayed a novel, water-soluble, self-polymerizing, absorbable, hydrogel sealant onto the dura and the bone flap was replaced. After recovery, both animals underwent MRI and CT scans after 3 days and again at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks after the craniotomy. The appearance of the gel at each timepoint was characterized and compared with the macroscopic and microscopic findings obtained 14 weeks after implantation. RESULTS: Both animals remained neurologically intact. Hydrogel sealant was readily apparent with all imaging techniques through Week 6. Diagnostic distinction from inflammatory collections and pseudomeningoceles was possible with MRI, using inversion recovery and contrast-enhanced sequences; such distinctions were occasionally challenging with a contrast-enhanced CT scan. Temporal absorption of the gel and subsequent closure of the remaining void was documented. Histopathology showed minimal changes, and excellent tissue compatibility of the gel was noted. CONCLUSION: The hydrogel sealant can be observed with cross sectional imaging and can be distinguished from cerebrospinal fluid using a CT scan, complemented by an occasional MRI scan. In addition, complete absorption of the hydrogel, with closure of the remaining void was noted. Histological examination found an unremarkable response with no neurotoxicity or space-filling defect.
  • Needle artifact localization in 3T MR images.

    S P DiMaio, D F Kacher, R.E. Ellis, G. Fichtinger, N Hata, G P Zientara, L P Panych, R Kikinis, F A Jolesz

    Studies in health technology and informatics. 02/2006; 119:120-5.

    This work explores an image-based approach for localizing needles during MRI-guided interventions, for the purpose of tracking and navigation. Susceptibility artifacts for several needles of varying thickness were imaged, in phantoms, using a 3 tesla MRI system, under a variety of conditions. The re... [more] This work explores an image-based approach for localizing needles during MRI-guided interventions, for the purpose of tracking and navigation. Susceptibility artifacts for several needles of varying thickness were imaged, in phantoms, using a 3 tesla MRI system, under a variety of conditions. The relationship between the true needle positions and the locations of artifacts within the images, determined both by manual and automatic segmentation methods, have been quantified and are presented here.
  • 1.33
    Impact points
    Intraoperative and interventional MRI: recommendations for a safe environment.

    Joachim Kettenbach, Daniel F Kacher, Angela R. Kanan, Bill Rostenberg, Janice Fairhurst, Alfred Stadler, K Kienreich, Ferenc A Jolesz

    Minimally invasive therapy & allied technologies : MITAT : official journal of the Society for Minimally Invasive Therapy. 02/2006; 15(2):53-64.

    In this paper we report on current experience and review magnetic resonance safety protocols and literature in order to define practices surrounding MRI-guided interventional and surgical procedures. Direct experience, the American College of Radiology White paper on MR Safety, and various other sou... [more] In this paper we report on current experience and review magnetic resonance safety protocols and literature in order to define practices surrounding MRI-guided interventional and surgical procedures. Direct experience, the American College of Radiology White paper on MR Safety, and various other sources are summarized. Additional recommendations for interventional and surgical MRI-guided procedures cover suite location/layout, accessibility, safety policy, personnel training, and MRI compatibility issues. Further information is freely available for sites to establish practices to minimize risk and ensure safety. Interventional and intraoperative MRI is emerging from its infancy, with twelve years since the advent of the field and well over 10,000 cases collectively performed. Thus, users of interventional and intraoperative MRI should adapt guidelines utilizing universal standards and terminology and establish a site-specific policy. With policy enforcement and proper training, the interventional and intraoperative MR imaging suite can be a safe and effective environment.
  • 14.82
    Impact points
    Characterization of human atherosclerotic plaques by intravascular magnetic resonance imaging.

    Eric Larose, Yerem Yeghiazarians, Peter Libby, E Kent Yucel, Masanori Aikawa, Daniel F Kacher, Elena Aikawa, Scott Kinlay, Frederick J Schoen, Andrew P Selwyn, Peter Ganz

    Circulation. 11/2005; 112(15):2324-31.

    BACKGROUND: Development and validation of novel imaging modalities to assess the composition of human atherosclerotic plaques will improve the understanding of atheroma evolution and could facilitate evaluation of therapeutic strategies for plaque modification. Surface MRI can characterize tissue co... [more] BACKGROUND: Development and validation of novel imaging modalities to assess the composition of human atherosclerotic plaques will improve the understanding of atheroma evolution and could facilitate evaluation of therapeutic strategies for plaque modification. Surface MRI can characterize tissue content of carotid but not deeper arteries. This study evaluated the usefulness of intravascular MRI (IVMRI) to discern the composition of human iliac arteries in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS: Initial studies validated IVMRI against histopathology of human atherosclerotic arteries ex vivo. A 0.030-inch-diameter IVMRI detector coil was advanced into isolated human aortoiliac arteries and coupled to a 1.5-T scanner. Information from combined T1-, moderate T2-, and proton-density-weighted images differentiated lipid, fibrous, and calcified components with favorable sensitivity and specificity and allowed accurate quantification of plaque size. The validated approach was then applied to image iliac arteries of 25 human subjects in vivo, and results were compared with those of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). IVMRI readily visualized inner and outer plaque boundaries in all arteries, even those with extensive calcification that precluded IVUS interpretation. It also revealed the expected heterogeneity of atherosclerotic plaque content that was noted during ex vivo validation. Again, IVUS did not disclose this heterogeneity. The level of interobserver and intraobserver agreement in the interpretation of plaque composition was high for IVMRI but poor for IVUS. CONCLUSIONS: IVMRI can reliably identify plaque composition and size in arteries deep within the body. Identification of plaque components by IVMRI in vivo has important implications for the understanding and modification of human atherosclerosis.
  • 2.03
    Impact points
    On the strong field dependence and nonlinear response to gadolinium contrast agent of proton transverse relaxation rates in dairy cream.

    Robert V Mulkern, Yin P Hung, Zaid Ababneh, Stephan E Maier, Alan B Packard, Mehmet C Uluer, Daniel F Kacher, Giulio Gambarota, Stephan Voss

    Magnetic resonance imaging. 08/2005; 23(6):757-64.

    Dairy cream, as a suspension of lipid droplets in water, is a potentially useful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phantom material and an interesting material for studying fundamental relaxation mechanisms. Here we report a strong increase in the transverse relaxation rates with field strength for b... [more] Dairy cream, as a suspension of lipid droplets in water, is a potentially useful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phantom material and an interesting material for studying fundamental relaxation mechanisms. Here we report a strong increase in the transverse relaxation rates with field strength for both the water and lipid protons in dairy cream. Also, studies at 4.7 T reveal a nonlinear response of transverse relaxation rates with increasing concentration of a common gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agent, including an initial decrease of water relaxation rates as measured with Hahn spin echoes at the lower Gd concentrations. The results are treated within the framework of a model in which the magnetic susceptibility difference between the lipid droplets and the aqueous phase plays the prominent role for transverse relaxation. Second-order polynomial fits of the water proton transverse relaxation rate dependence on field strength and on Gd concentration at 4.7 T provided experimental parameters from which model parameters are extracted and compared with expectations available from the literature.
  • 2.03
    Impact points
    MR imaging--guided breast ablative therapy.

    Daniel F Kacher, Ferenc A Jolesz

    Radiologic clinics of North America. 10/2004; 42(5):947-62, vii.

    The integration of imaging and thermal therapy can provide a minimally invasive or even noninvasive alternative to breast surgery for small tumors. Ongoing trials seek to show safety and efficacy for laser, radiofrequency, microwave, cryoablation, and focused ultrasound surgery. To be successful, th... [more] The integration of imaging and thermal therapy can provide a minimally invasive or even noninvasive alternative to breast surgery for small tumors. Ongoing trials seek to show safety and efficacy for laser, radiofrequency, microwave, cryoablation, and focused ultrasound surgery. To be successful, these therapies must achieve equivalent or even greater efficacy as surgical outcomes and must demonstrate total ablation of the dominant lesion with negative margins, while sparing normal tissue beyond the target tissue. Procedures have been validated by histopathology subsequent to resection.
  • Manipulation in MRI Devices using Electrostrictive Polymer Actuators: with an Application to Reconfigurable Imaging Coils.

    John Vogan, Andreas Wingert, Jean-Sebastien Plante, Steven Dubowsky, Moustapha Hafez, Daniel F. Kacher, Ferenc A. Jolesz

    Proceedings of the 2004 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2004, April 26 - May 1, 2004, New Orleans, LA, USA; 01/2004

  • 2.09
    Impact points
    Superconducting RF coils for clinical MR imaging at low field.

    Q.Y. Ma, K.C. Chan, Daniel F Kacher, Erzhen Gao, Mei Sim Chow, Kelvin K Wong, Hui Xu, Edward S Yang, Geoff S Young, Jason R Miller, Ferenc A Jolesz

    Academic radiology. 10/2003; 10(9):978-87.

    RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: A number of recent reports in the MRI literature have established that substantial signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gains can be achieved with small samples or low resonance frequencies, through the use of high-quality factor high-temperature superconducting (HTS) RF receive coi... [more] RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: A number of recent reports in the MRI literature have established that substantial signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gains can be achieved with small samples or low resonance frequencies, through the use of high-quality factor high-temperature superconducting (HTS) RF receive coils. We show the application of HTS coils to the imaging of human subjects with improved SNR compared with copper coils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HTS coils were constructed from 7.62-cm YBa2Cur3O7-delta thin films on LaAlO3 substrate and cooled in a liquid nitrogen cryostat. Human and phantom images were acquired on a 0.2-T scanner. The SNR improvements compared with equivalent-sized copper coils are reported. RESULTS: SNR gains of 2.8-fold and 1.4-fold were observed in images of a phantom acquired with an HTS coil versus a room temperature copper coil and a liquid nitrogen-cooled copper coil, respectively. Preliminary results suggest higher image quality can be obtained in vivo with an HTS coil compared with copper coil imaging. Images of human orbit, brain, temporomandibular joint, and wrist are presented. CONCLUSION: The experimental results show that benefits can be expected from application of HTS surface coils in human MR imaging with low-field scanners. These potential benefits justify the continued development of practical HTS coil imaging systems despite the considerable technical difficulties involved in cryostat and coil design.
1 2 3 Next »

Following (6)

46
Publications
6
Followers