Biomedical Imaging Equipment - High Fielded Strength MRI

PROJECT ABSTRACT This is a multi-user equipment application for advanced Biomedical Imaging Equipment, a Siemens 3T TRIO MRI scanner, in which these funds will be applied directly to the cost of the equipment. This equipment is needed in order to provide the people of Kentucky with advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities that currently are not available in the State, and to significantly enhance clinical and basic biomedical research programs. Particular areas of emphasis include human development neurodegenerative diseases and aging. A 3T imager has been purchased because of the inherent significant advantages ofa higher field strength system for neuroscience and other research and clinical diagnosis involving MRI. The advantages of this instrument over existing MR imaging facilities are primarily derived !Tomthe increased static magnetic field strength, but also include a highly improved gradient system and a state-of-the-art computer system and programming environment. The major users of the MRI have funded programs ranging !Tomfundamental studies in neuroscience to clinical neuroscience research. Their research will significantly benefit !Tomaccess to this advanced instrumentation, which was not previously available at the University or elsewhere in the State of Kentucky. The infTastructure (including space, technical support, and personnel) exists, through the University's Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Center which manages lower field strength MR scanners, to rapidly bring this new scanner on line. This project started renovations in June 2003. Siemens Medical Solutions provided the construction design and installation of this equipment. The renovation cost is approximately $300,000 with an estimated completion date of December 2004. The Senior Associate Vice President for Research and Infrastructure provided the funding for all renovation. The equipment was ordered !TomSiemens Medical Solutions and installed in August 2003. The cost of the equipment totaled $2,790,358~ this request is for $984,159. The Plant RenewallReplacement funds !Tomthe MRISC center will pay the difference of the equipment cost and the support requested in this grant. The 3T Trio Siemens MR scanner will be managed by the Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Center (MRISC) under the direction of Don M. Gash, Ph.D. This is a multiuser Center with 600 m2of scanner, laboratory, workshop and office space in the Davis Mills building. The MRISC is a core facility open to the faculty and students !Tomall colleges in the University. Dr. Gash has directed the Center since 1996. The current statTincludes a business manager (Nancy Bailey), a certified MRI technologist (Agnes Bognar) and a dedicated physicist, Dr. David Powell. The Major Users Group on this application includes many of the faculty who are primary users of the Center. Dr. Peter Hardy is an MR physicist who works closely with all users as well as runs an independent MRI research program. Similarly, Dr. Anders Andersen works with investigators on image processing and signal analysis. Dr. Charles Smith, a neurologist certified in MRI, oversees clinical research programs conducted on the scanners. Scheduling for the 3T Trio scanner is managed using the same policies now in place for the existing 1.5T Vision MR scanner. Faculty and students can sign up for blocks of up to two hours a day, up to two weeks in advance. Scheduling is through the MRI technologist Agnes Bognar. Scheduling has generally not been a problem, but when conflicts do arise, assignments are made based on priority: Priority 1. Time sensitive studies such as scheduling stroke patients within 8 hrs of an occurrence. Funded research studies with each investigator receiving an equitable time allotment each week. Pilot studies. Sequence development and phantom studies. Priority 2. Priority 3. Priority 4. "i ,) .--