Advanced High Resolution Rodent Ultrasound Imaging System

该申请旨在获得购买VisualSonics Vevo 3100啮齿动物超声系统的资金。的目的 建议是获得这种最先进的高分辨率先进的超声成像系统， 多学科心血管和心肺研究人员利用小动物实验 匹兹堡大学的模特心血管和肺部研究人员的扩展， 心脏病学的心脏和血管研究所（HVI）与血管医学研究所（VMI）合并， 在大量啮齿动物实验模型中对成像的高需求。高分辨率超声成像 已经成为用于生物医学研究，特别是用于啮齿动物模型的最先进技术。的 VisualSonics Vevo 3100是第一款也是唯一一款商用高频、高分辨率数字 具有能够对活体小动物成像的线性阵列技术的成像平台。超高频 轴向和横向分辨率具有前所未有的36 x36 mm视场。此外，时间分辨率 急剧增加到>500 Hz，这对于以每分钟500-600次心跳成像啮齿动物心脏至关重要。 分钟该系统具有先进的新成像功能，包括散斑跟踪应变成像，3D成像， ECG门控图像配准和谐波对比成像。该系统可以评估整个器官 规模功能的细胞水平的生物活性。这一系统将具有巨大的价值， 使用啮齿动物模型进行跨学科研究。我们有13个独立的PI积极资助，11个与NIH R 01等效支持和1个AHA支持。参与的PI代表了广泛的学科， 心肌、血管、心肺生物学和肺动脉高压。提高成本效益， 维护和升级，优化共享，并促进多学科协作环境， 系统将整合到VMI新扩建的实验室中，（现在为15，800平方米）英尺实验室空间）。的 项目总监Kang Kim博士是先进超声技术和啮齿动物领域的公认创新者 超声，并将负责仪器使用的多个方面。一个咨询委员会 已经形成了一个指导方针，为用户之间的适当共享，新用户 可以进入系统并接受培训。我们的管理计划是为善用 系统和最大限度地促进所列项目，并不断确定其他NIH项目， 受益于这个系统。所要求的超声动物成像系统的获取将 不仅对匹兹堡大学目前NIH资助的项目，而且对 国家卫生研究院未来的项目。此外，超声心动图是培训和研究的重点， 新资助的NIH T32“转化心血管研究中的成像科学”。大学 匹兹堡的VMI和HVI完全致力于维护、人员、空间和资源的支持 这是系统长期使用所必需的。

This request is for funds to purchase a VisualSonics Vevo 3100 rodent ultrasound system. The objective of this proposal is to acquire this state-of-the-art high resolution advanced ultrasound imaging system to be shared by the multidisciplinary cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary investigators utilizing small animal experimental models at The University of Pittsburgh. An expansion of cardiovascular and pulmonary investigators from cardiology's Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI) merged with the Vascular Medicine Institute (VMI) has resulted in a high demand for imaging in a multitude of rodent experimental models. High-resolution ultrasound imaging has become the state-of-the-art for use in biomedical research, in particular for rodent models. The VisualSonics Vevo 3100 is the first and only commercially available high-frequency, high-resolution digital imaging platform with linear array technology capable of imaging live small animals. The ultra-high frequency axial and lateral resolution has an unprecedented 36x36 mm field of view. Furthermore, temporal resolution has dramatically increased to >500 Hz, of critical importance to imaging rodent hearts at 500-600 beats per min. This system has advanced new imaging functions including speckle tracking strain imaging, 3D imaging, ECG-gated image registration, and contrast imaging with harmonics. The system can assess whole organ scale functions to cellular level bioactivity. This system will be of enormous value to a wide spectrum of interdisciplinary research using rodent models. We have 13 independent PIs with active funding, 11 with NIH R01 equivalent support and 1 with AHA support. The participating PIs represent a wide array of disciplines in myocardial, vascular, cardiopulmonary biology and pulmonary hypertension. To promote cost effectiveness in maintenance and upgrades, optimize sharing, and foster a collaborative multidisciplinary environment, the system will be integrated into the VMI newly expanded laboratories, (now 15,800 sq. ft. of lab space). The Program Director, Kang Kim, PhD is an established innovator in advanced ultrasound technology and rodent ultrasound, and will take responsibility for the multiple facets of the instrument's use. An advisory committee has been formed with guidelines established for appropriate sharing among the users and by which new users can gain access to and training in the system. Our management scheme is designed for the optimal use of the system and maximum contribution to the listed projects and to continuously identify other NIH projects that will benefit from this system. The acquisition of the requested ultrasound animal imaging system will be of enormous value to not only to current NIH-funded projects across the University of Pittsburgh but also to the development of future NIH projects. In addition, echocardiography is a key focus of training and research the newly funded NIH T32 “Imaging Sciences in Translational Cardiovascular Research”. The University of Pittsburgh's VMI and HVI are fully committed to the support of maintenance, personnel, space, and resources required for long-term use of the system.