SBIR-STTR Award

Magnetic Imaging Technologies Incorporated (MITI) has created a device, the Inert Gas Polarizer (IGP), that utilizes a powerful new signal source for clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this device, very high non equilibrium nuclear polarizations of the inert gases 3He and 129Xe are achieved by the use of high power laser diodes. Those hyperpolarized gases act as benign, inhalable contrast agents. Once the hyperpolarized gases are in the body conventional MRI can be used to image the gases themselves. New and safer techniques to study lung, blood, brain and bowel may be enabled by this technology. Two prototypes of the IGP have already been built. The specific aims of this research are: 1) Create a suitable chamber that will be used to contain the 3He while it is being polarized in the IGP 2) Create suitable containers, that will be used for storing the polarized gas until the gas is ready to be used by a patient 3) Consider the question of 3He recycling and reuse 4)Begin the process of optimizing the use of 3He for lung imaging in the clinical setting. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: This effort will advance commercial development of the inert gas polarizer (IGP) system for use in clinical MRI. The IGP is fully compatible with the existing MRI base of 7000 clinical machines. Based upon projected increases in the number of current MRI scans performed and assuming that 100 IGI systems are fielded by 2000 MITI's revenues are projected to be 16.5M$.

Thesaurus Terms:
biomedical equipment development, helium, image enhancement, magnetic resonance imaging, molecular polarity electrode, imaging /visualization, laser, literature survey, lung scanning, nitrogen, oxygen, physical separationNational Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Magnetic Imaging Technologies Incorporated (MITI) is developing a technology that utilizes laser hyperpolarized 3He gas for clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We believe that 3He imaging can be effective for assessing structure and function of the lungs, ear, colon, nose and throat. In particular, hyperpolarized 3He is being routinely used at the University of Virginia Health Science Center to provide diagnostic quality images of the airspaces of the lung. For Phase II, we propose to develop technological improvements necessary to take this product from a prototype to a commercial product. In order to reach this goal we must improve the performance of the polarizer. In particular we must increase the 3He polarization and the rate at which the hyperpolarized 3He is produced. More technological improvements are also necessary in order to make the device more reliable, as well as easy to manufacture, service and use. Furthermore, in order, to make this technology broadly accessible to the largest number of MR imaging centers possible we must develop optimal send receive coil compatible with MR Imagers of different manufacturers. We also plan to develop MR imaging pulse sequences. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Inert Gas Imaging (IGI) with hyperpolarized 3He is at present being used to produce diagnostic-quality images of the human lung airways. We believe that 3He IGI may be particularly useful for the diagnosis and evaluation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Hyperpolarized 3He can also be used for imaging of the ear, throat, nose and colon. Inert gas imaging can be made fully compatible with the existing base of 7000 clinical MRI units.

Thesaurus Terms:
biomedical equipment development, helium, image enhancement, inert gas, magnetic resonance imaging, molecular polarity clinical biomedical equipment, lung scanning bioimaging /biomedical imaging, clinical research, human sub