Could this please be sent out tomorrow, Friday September 13^th as a stand-alone announcement (with this sentence removed)?

Thank you!

BME 3^rd Year Seminar Series

Friday, September 13^th, 2024

1:30 – 2:30 PM EST

MJIS 1001

Evaluation links:

Brianna Kish: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e3rLIK7MPC49ghg

Thejas Vishnu Ramesh: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2rjLH98fNs0uc7Q

Evaluation surveys should only be completed after the seminar has taken place, and only by those who attended the seminar.

Novel identifications of cerebral hemodynamics using BOLD fMRI in patients with sickle cell disease

Brianna Kish (Yunjie Tong/Riyi Shi, advisors)

Abstract: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S, which leads to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This reduced blood oxygenation can trigger cerebrovascular remodeling, leading to a higher risk of cerebrovascular disease and cognitive impairment. Despite growing evidence of the importance of cerebrovascular health in managing SCD, the lack of specific diagnostic tools makes this area an underutilized target in clinical care. In this study, we aimed to investigate the hemodynamic mechanisms of SCD through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and their relationship with hematological parameters. We utilized the patterns of systemic low-frequency oscillations within the blood oxygen level-dependent fMRI signal to discern oxygen levels in the brain and characterize distinct blood flow patterns in patients with SCD. We formulated a unique model that revealed two blood flow patterns in SCD patients: firstly, an abnormal rapid flow pattern through arterio-venous shunting, where highly oxygenated blood reaches the superior sagittal sinus prematurely, circumventing most capillaries; secondly, a normal flow pattern, wherein normally oxygenated blood reaches the superior sagittal sinus after traversing through the capillaries. Our findings indicate that both flow patterns coexist in SCD patients, but in those with more severe blood abnormalities, the rapid flow pattern predominates. This study marks the first instance of employing fMRI to investigate the rich hemodynamic information in SCD patients. The results hold significant potential for the development of non-invasive hemodynamic biomarkers to gauge cerebrovascular health in SCD.

Conformable RF Coils using Conductive Thread and Conductive Fabric

Thejas Vishnu Ramesh (Joseph Rispoli, advisor)

Abstract: MRI is a non-ionizing, non-invasive imaging modality that provides superior soft tissue contrast. Radiofrequency (RF) coils are the antennas through which images are obtained in MRI. Volume coils provide a homogeneous field around the region of interest (ROI) while surface coils help obtain the maximum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for high resolution images. Receive arrays are made of multiple surface coils for concomitant acquisition of spatial information from the anatomy, thus enabling parallel imaging. MR angiography (MRA) techniques such as time-of-flight (TOF) MRI and phase contrast (PC) angiography take advantage of parallel imaging to visualize the vasculature and understand the underlying hemodynamics that can lead to cardiovascular diseases, especially in the carotid arteries. A rigid whole neck array that contains coils that extend to the cervical spine are often used to image the carotid arteries. However, the rigid neck array lacks adaptability to varying neck sizes, thus limiting the SNR. Wearable coils that tightly conform around the anatomy of interest developed using techniques such as screen printing, conductive elastomer, and conductive thread reduce coil setup time while ensuring maximum SNR in the final image. However, current wearable coil fabrication methods require specialized manufacturing practices, which render coil development an expensive process. Therefore, a wearable array developed using commercially available conductive fabric is proposed for simultaneous bilateral carotid arteries and cervical spine imaging at 3T. The conductive fabric method eliminates specialized manufacturing needs for developing wearable coils, thus enhancing RF coil accessibility without compromising patient comfort and image quality.

Liz Rowen

She/Her

Graduate Program Assistant
Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering

Martin C. Jischke Hall of Biomedical Engineering
206 S. Martin Jischke Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2032

o: 765-494-1197