Non-invasive measurement of cerebrovascular properties

Figure 1. Map of the cerebrovascular structure (from Wikipedia).

If you would like to help with this study as a master's or bachelor's thesis project, please send Bryn Martin an email with your resume and research interests.

Team

• Bryn Martin
• Nikolaos Stergiopulos

The problem

Measurement of cerebrovascular properties such as compliance has been of interest as it is an indicator of cerebrovascular health. However, primarily due to lack of access and insufficient spatial and temporal measurement resolution, compliance measurement of the cerebral vessels has been limited to superficial and larger diameter vessels such as the carotid artery (CA) using ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Compliance measurement of vessels deep within the cranium, such as the middle cerebral artery (Figure 1), has required ex vivo studies or highly invasive techniques which are not practical to perform on human subjects. Thus, a cerebrovascular compliance measurement technique which can quantify small vessel (<3 mm ID) compliance deep within the cranium is desirable.

Hypothesis and research objectives

The goal of this research is to design, develop, and analyze a device and method for measurement of changes in cerebrovascular compliance and prove the efficacy of the technique through in vivo and in vitro studies.

Methods and study outline

Confidential.

Expected results and potential impact

If proven efficacious, the proposed device and method will provide non-invasive, real-time, and in situ information about the compliance of the cerebrovascular system. The device could lead to technology transfer for bedside or surgical monitoring of cerebrovascular properties.

Preliminary results

To be posted