|
Magnetic Imaging Compatible Hypo-Hyperbaric System
Navy SBIR FY2010.1
| Sol No.: |
Navy SBIR FY2010.1 |
| Topic No.: |
N101-079 |
| Topic Title: |
Magnetic Imaging Compatible Hypo-Hyperbaric System |
| Proposal No.: |
N101-079-0178 |
| Firm: |
Physical Optics Corporation
Information Technologies Division
20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100
Torrance, California 90501-1821 |
| Contact: |
Kang-Bin Chua |
| Phone: |
(310) 320-3088 |
| Web Site: |
www.poc.com |
| Abstract: |
To address the Navy's need for a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-compatible hypo-hyperbaric system, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Magnetic Imaging Compatible Hypo-Hyperbaric System (MICHyS) based on a new design that uses custom and commercial components. The innovations in the design and use of nonferromagnetic materials allow MICHyS to be compatible with fMRI and to function as a hypo-hyperbaric system with pressure exceeding the range of 0.2 to 3.0 ATA. With necessary feedthroughs and accessories for fMRI studies, this system comfortably accommodates an 80 kg subject inside a 3 T MRI chamber to study diving and hypo-hyperbaric medicine. Accurate control of gas composition/pressure/flow rate enables synchronization of gas data with fMRI data. In Phase I, POC will assemble a proof-of-concept small-scale MICHyS prototype of technical readiness level (TRL) 3 with optical and electrical feedthroughs. MRI analysis at 3 T will be conducted by placing a phantom inside the prototype with pressure ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 ATA. In Phase II, POC will construct a full-scale prototype of TRL >6 that can operate safely at pressures exceeding 0.2 to 3.0 ATA inside an MRI chamber. This prototype will be certified for animal and/or human testing. |
| Benefits: |
The proposed MICHyS offers benefits in several commercial sectors. In medical applications, patients undergoing hyperbaric therapy can benefit from MRI imaging to monitor healing and the effects of various treatments in real time. Medical researchers can perform MRI and fMRI exams on patients in hyperbaric conditions to see their effects on the body in order to help produce new therapies and solutions to medical problems, including long-term effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Industrial applications of the MICHyS technology include monitoring of people under hyperbaric conditions after deep sea dives. The technology can be incorporated into current fMRI studies to gain better understanding of physiological mechanism associated with high altitude sickness and DCI. Additionally, the effects of various atmospheric conditions and gas inhalation can be mapped in the human body through the combination of MICHyS and fMRI testing. |
Return
|