LUCAS Center for Imaging
The LUCAS Center for Imaging houses resources devoted to research in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS). Researchers in RSL and at the LUCAS Center for Imaging have pioneered MRI/MRS technology while developing new techniques that benefit patients with stroke, brain disorders, cancer, heart disease, chronic pain, genetic disorders, joint disease and diseases of the spleen and liver. The LUCAS Center for Imaging supports collaborative and original research using human subjects and intact animal models.
Our facilities include 3.0T whole-body MR systems, a 7.0T MR system, and a whole-body PET/MR system complete with patient/animal preparation facilities and image processing/readout workstations.
Room Location: 3T2- P173
Description:
The GE SIGNA™ Premier 3T MRI is a high-field magnetic resonance imaging system known for its advanced imaging capabilities, patient comfort features, and potential for reduced exam times. It utilizes a 3.0 Tesla magnet, providing a strong magnetic field for enhanced image quality and faster scan times compared to lower field systems.
Daily support in MR system operation and screening and safety is provided to all researchers including faculty, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and visiting scholars in the LUCAS Center for Imaging and Department of Radiology; researchers from other University departments such as Psychology, Psychiatry, Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Nephrology; and Service Center users from outside of the University.
Features:
The software and hardware currently allows the use of 128 channels at 3T2.
Pulse sequences include EPI, spiral, SMS and DTI.
Configuration:
Equipment:
Capabilities supporting fMRI studies include Eprime computer, Physiologic monitoring, Eyetracker, EDA (GSR), EEG, TMS, facial camera, video projection, audio earphones, etc.
Room location: 3T1- P021
Description:
Daily support in MR system operation and screening and safety is provided to all researchers including faculty, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and visiting scholars in the LUCAS Center for Imaging and Department of Radiology; researchers from other University departments such as Psychology, Psychiatry, Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Nephrology; and Service Center users from outside of the University.
The InsightTec Focused Ultrasound system is used to treat human and animal models.
Features:
The LUCAS Center for Imaging also maintains appropriate computer systems for pulse sequence programming including the GE EPIC pulse sequence programming environment, Matlab, and other statistical and analytic tools.
High-performance computers are available for more advanced imaging reconstruction. A substantial infrastructure of software tools exists to help manipulate data between all MRI scanners an reconstruction servers on different local network, with careful support for data protection.
Room Location: 7T- PS018
Description:
The Magnetom Terra.X Impulse Edition is one of 4 such systems installed globally (with more to follow) that combine a Siemens 7 Tesla superconducting magnet with an advanced gradient coil delivering stronger and faster gradients than have ever been available for basic and translational research. While the system has not received FDA clearance as a clinical device, the system operates within the non-significant risk guidelines for IRB approved studies.
Features:
Room Location: 3T3- P165B
Description:
The Magnetom Cima.X system is one of a growing number of high performance 3T systems delivering enhanced gradient capabilities in a state of the art system. The Cima.X has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for marketing as a clinical device, but will be used at Stanford as a research instrument for IRB approved studies.
Features:
Room Location: LUCAS Center for Imaging, Basement P0208
Description:
The MRI Simulator includes: ~60cm bore with tapered entry and flat façade with integrated control panel (Light, Fan, In/Out), lights, fan, speakers & subwoofer, motorized patient table with drag sensing safety stop, manual table release. A flat panel monitor is attached to the head coil for easy, high-resolution viewing of motion measurements, stimuli or movies for the scan subject.
MoTrak head motion tracking system that provides linear feedback of X,Y,Z movement and rotational feedback on X,Y,Z axis (Pitch, Roll, Yaw coordinate) based on user-defined thresholds.
Scanner sounds from a variety of MRI scan sequences are available including Localizer, High Order Shim, 2D T2-weighted FSE, 3D T1-weighted FSPGR, DTI, EPI, and ‘sprlio’ (spiral in-out fMRI).
E-Prime® stimulus presentation software is available on a separate computer.
MRI studies require long periods of scanning with minimal participant movement. The procedure can be an unsettling experience for many participants causing excessive movement resulting in unusable data and lost funds. Special populations such as children, the elderly, and psychiatric participants, are often prone to claustrophobia and anxiety in the bore of a magnet, and consequently have a much higher rate of terminating the scan session before its completion. Some centers that have dealt with these populations estimate a 50%-80% failure rate. With the use of the MRI Simulator (also known as a mock scanner) this failure rate can often be reduced below 5%, minimizing data loss.
The MRI Simulator provides a realistic approximation of an actual MRI scanner to allow habituation and training of participants in an environment less daunting than a real scanner. The MRI Simulator introduces the participant to an authentic scanning environment, permitting them to gradually become accustomed to the scanning procedure and trained to minimize movements. Allowing the participant to acclimate to the scanner before the actual session helps to prepare them and encourages a calmer and more focused participant, ultimately resulting in more productive scanning sessions.
