Project Details
Description
Project Abstract/Summary
The goal of this SBIR/STTR application is to deliver a technology that accurately and non-invasively measures
a patient’s head motion during a structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan (Framewise Integrated
Real-Time MRI Monitoring -structural [FIRMM-s]). Because structural MRI scanning produces high-resolution
images and does not expose patients to radiation, it has become an immensely valuable diagnostic tool,
particularly for imaging the brain. Last year, in the United States alone, there were over 8 million brain MRIs,
costing an estimated $20-30 billion. Unfortunately, brain MRIs are limited by the fact that head motion during
the scan can cause the resulting images to be suboptimal or even unusable. An estimated 20% of all brain
MRIs are ruined by motion, wasting $2-4 billion annually. Currently, there are two predominant strategies to
combat head motion: repeat scanning and anesthesia, both of which are inadequate. Repeat scanning, which
consists of acquiring extra images (to ensure enough usable ones were acquired), increases scanning time
and cost, and can result in too few usable images or unnecessary, extra images. Anesthesia, which is given to
patients who are likely to move (such as young children), presents a serious safety risk and is sometimes
administered unnecessarily (i.e. the patient could hold still without anesthesia).
The software-based FIRMM-s solution proposed in this grant uses MR images (as they are being collected) to
compute a patient’s head motion in real time during an MRI scan. The availability of real time motion
information will enable more informed anesthesia use and reduce excess scanning, making these methods
safer and more efficient. Armed with real time motion information, scan operators will know exactly how many
usable images have been acquired, preventing the acquisition of too many or too few extra images.
Additionally, providing physicians with quantitative information about patient motion will allow them to make an
informed decision regarding anesthesia, preventing unnecessary sedation.
The proposed solution also contains an entirely new method for combating head motion: patient biofeedback.
The technology can translate the head motion information into age-appropriate, visual biofeedback for the
patient. By providing feedback to patients, the technology helps both pediatric and adult patients remain more
still, improving image quality. The proposed research focuses on delivering proof-of-concept for FIRMM-s
(Phase I) and building and validating a clinical-ready version of FIRMM-s (Phase II). The FIRMM-s device
provides scan operators, physicians, and patients with real time motion information, with the goal of making
MR scans safer, faster, and less expensive.
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 5/1/20 → 4/30/24 |
Funding
- National Institute of Mental Health: $1,190,011.00
- National Institute of Mental Health: $1,327,272.00
- National Institute of Mental Health: $1,304,426.00
- National Institute of Mental Health: $1,464,742.00
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