SBIR-STTR Award

The ability to induce very high, non-equilibrium nuclear polarizations in the inert gases 3He and 129Xe by use of high-power laser diodes has opened up a dramatic new realm of applications for clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). New and safer techniques for the assessment of lung function and a powerful new potential for angiographic contrast are two of the areas where inert gas MRI will make an impact. This Phase I proposal addresses several technical developments that are preliminary to the creation of a continuous-cycle gas polarization and delivery system that will be sited in a conventional MRI suite. A prototype of a flow-through polarization cell will be built, parts that are integral to a practical MRI compatible ventilarot will be tested for thier depolarizing effects on the inert gases, a ventilation system will be built and tested, and a system to recover the exhaled gas will be designed. This work will lead to the creation of a complete polarization unit in Phase II that will be capable of delivery 10s of liters of polarized gas per day.

Keywords:
Mri, Laser Diodes, Imaging, Inert Gas, Helium, Xenon

Optically hyperpolarized Xe-129 gas provides a powerful new imaging capability to existing MRI machines. This inert gas has been visualized in the gas spaces of the body. Hyperpolarized Xe-129 gas provides for superb images at all magnetic field strengths and thus makes low-field, portable MRI systems for studying lung images possible. The low magnetic field approach not only significantly reduces the cost, it also means lung functional measurements can be performed in small systems accessible to wider population. MITI proposes to create a robust and efficient xenon gas refrigerator that will be integrated with its inert gas polarization machine. Such a refrigerator will hold the hyperpolarized xenon gas in the form of ice for many days, thus making storage of clinically significant volumes of gas possible. MITI's academic partner, Duke, will work to evaluate the utility of hyperpolarized xenon in lung function studies. A critical element of this work will be to evaluate the performance of the gas at 2 different magnetic field strengths and thereby demonstrate the field intensitivity to the technique.

Keywords:
Mri Magnetic Resonance Imaging Helium Xenon Hyperpolarized Gas