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UK funding (£725,790): Ultrasound in a Needle: Minimally-invasive High Resolution Imaging for Neurosurgery Ukri1 Jul 2013 UK Research and Innovation, United Kingdom

Overview

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Ultrasound in a Needle: Minimally-invasive High Resolution Imaging for Neurosurgery

Abstract The research challenge we will tackle is to realise real-time visualisation of tissue in the brain with a needle capable of minimally-invasive, real-time, high resolution ultrasound imaging. This will, for the first time, enable the neurosurgeon to obtain immediate information about lesions and the location of critical structures in the brain intraoperatively, and thus to provide treatment with less morbidity and better patient outcomes. Our specific engineering challenge is to create a needle carrying an integrated, miniature ultrasound array for high-resolution (~100 um) neurological imaging and to demonstrate feasibility for future translation into clinical practice. Previous EPSRC-funded collaboration by the Universities of Birmingham and Dundee has shown that piezocomposite material with microscale features can be realised with net-shape micromoulding techniques. Single element transducers based on these materials have been evaluated already and exploratory studies with Heriot-Watt University have demonstrated the capability to bond dense interconnects onto the new materials at low temperature and pressure to connect kerfless imaging arrays to external imaging electronics. The research we now propose will extend and integrate this technical work with neurosurgery to determine basic capabilities using brain tissue in soft-embalmed cadavers and to explore potential surgical benefits and applications. As well as the three university partners, the work will benefit from support from four companies, covering all aspects of the technology as well as its translation into clinical practice.
Category Research Grant
Reference EP/K020250/1
Status Closed
Funded period start 01/07/2013
Funded period end 30/06/2015
Funded value £725,790.00
Source https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=EP%2FK020250%2F1

Participating Organisations

University of Dundee
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC)
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Applied Functional Materials Limited
Merlin Circuits

The filing refers to a past date, and does not necessarily reflect the current state. The current state is available on the following page: University of Dundee, Dundee.

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