MRI Acquisition and Analysis Methods for Image Guided Neurosurgery

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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an exceptionally rich technology that enables probing of a myriad of brain tissue properties. In addition to revolutionizing diagnostic radiology, MRI has become a cornerstone in modern minimally invasive image-guided surgery where its detailed information improves surgical precision and safety while reducing total health care costs. The broad goal of this research program is the development of new MRI technologies for use in image-guided neurosurgery. More specifically, this proposal is focused on the development of technologies for planning deep brain stimulation; a treatment for disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, consisting of the surgical implantation of stimulation electrodes in specific structures of the brain. Our objectives are to develop MRI methods to precisely localize the stimulation targets, to map their neuronal connections to other brain structures, to image the cerebral blood vessels, and to integrate these data within a preoperative surgical planning software environment. Collectively, this work will advance the state-of-the-art in image-guided neurosurgery, making the procedure safer and more effective, while creating new tools and techniques with broad applications in diagnostic medical imaging and image-guided surgery.