Project Overview

This project requires the design and fabrication of a stereotactic device used to minimize the movement of the heads of anesthetized animals whilst positioned within a 4.7 T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging scanner. The magnetic field within the scanner is approximately 100,000 times greater than the Earth’s magnetic field and therefore significantly restricts the choice of materials that may be used. Consequently, the entire system should be constructed of MR-compatible materials that are non-magnetic and non-conductive, to avoid artifacts and distortion of the MR images. The device should fit into a range of MR coils used specifically for imaging mice or rats and should also be able to support the positioning of additional MR coils so that images may be obtained from different anatomical regions. Further refinements might include the incorporation of a warming unit, using circulating water or air, within the base of the device. The unit construction may involve the use of 3D printing techniques. In addition, the stereotactic device should also be compatible with a dedicated uCT/PET system so that images may be more easily merged between the three different imaging modalities. In addition to the design and fabrication processes, this project would provide the opportunity to gain some experience with the use of both a 4.7 Tesla dedicated animal MRI and a uCT/PET systems.

Files

• Midsemester Presentation (March 7, 2008)
• Midsemester Report (March 12, 2008)
• Project Design Specifications (April 18, 2008)
• FInal Poster (May 1, 2008)

Contact Information

Team Members

• Jeremy Glynn - Team Leader
• Jeremy Schaefer - Communicator
• Mike Conrardy - BSAC
• Adam Goon - BWIG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. William Murphy - Advisor
• Ian Rowland - Client