Bio-Imaging and Bio-Instrumentation

The Bio-Imaging and Bio-Instrumentation research division is a group of collaborating investigators who use specialized tools, equipment and physiological measurements to assess the functionality of normal and diseased tissue. This division has a major emphasis on cardiac function, including myocardial function, congestive heart failure and peripheral arterial disease. 

Bio-Imaging is a method of developing image techniques across the magnetic spectrum. Some of these techniques are used to view structures, while others are used to develop therapeutic methods, diagnostic capabilities and evaluation of body functions. Specific imaging systems that are currently in development assist with the delivery of medical devices and medical technologies and are becoming part of therapeutic delivery.

Bio-Instrumentation is the development of biosensors that are used in telemetry or telemedicine, as well as methods to chronically instrument and evaluate cardiac and peripheral vascular diseases. State-of-the-art equipment is used to evaluate such procedures as EKGs, pressure volume loop analysis, Doppler flow measurements and bio-MEM (microelectronic mechanical systems) technologies.

Division Leader

Stuart K. Williams, Ph.D.

Bio-Imaging Technologies

• Fluoroscopy: Digital x-ray equipment that evaluates body structures. Examples include angiograms and the GE Medical Innova System.
• Echocardiography: A unique, 3D echocardiography system to develop real time structure and function of the heart.
• Duplex Ultrasound: Instrumentation that permits evaluation of peripheral vascular function.
• Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS): A catheter-based system that evaluates blood vessel structure and function.
• High-Resolution Ultrasound (45 MGHZ and higher): An ultrasound that focuses on developing heart function.
• High-resolution radiography (Faxitron): This system is used for the evaluation of cardiac peripheral function in development studies.
• Intravital Fluorescence Microscopy: A microscope that permits direct visualization of the microcirculation using fluorescent dyes and tracers.
• Laser Doppler Perfusion Instrumentation: Doppler that allows visualization of blood perfusion within tissue.
• Multi-Photon (Confocal) Fluorescence Microscopy: A microscope that visualizes through thick tissue.
• Scanning electron microscopy: High-resolution evaluation of surface structure of biologic material and medical devices.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A 3.0 TESLA MRI for structural and functional cardiac and peripheral vessel function.

 
Bio-Instrumentation Technologies

• Physiological  Measurements (EKG): Pressure volume measurements
• Doppler Flow-Probe Assessments
• Bioreactors: Technology focused on the growth of replacement tissues
• Tissue Processing Instruments: Devices for the isolation of adult stem cells, primarily from adipose tissue.
• Blood Vessel Mimics: Bioreactors and instruments to grow human blood vessel equivalents used to evaluate medical devices and other medical instrumentation
• Biological Architecture Tools: One of three machines in the world that permits CAD/CAM technology (computer-assisted design and manufacturing) to create three-dimensional tissues
• Bio-Mechanical Assessment Tools: Instrumentation that tests the function and durability of tissues and biomaterials
• Biological Image Processing: Utilization of computers and software to process images obtained from other imaging instrumentation