Medical Imaging Laboratory
Director: Prof. Vasilis Ntziachristos and Dr. George Themelis
Based at the Klinikum at the Rechts der Isar (Medical School and Hospital of the Technical University of Munich), the medical imaging laboratory focuses on the propagation of new technologies into healthcare. The laboratory develops systems that are appropriate for clinical imaging. In addition we develop animal models that allow for the pre-clinical evaluation of new systems and methodologies.
Examples of areas that the laboratory works on include improved fluorescence imaging methods for intra-operative and endoscopic imaging or miniaturized imaging scopes for intravascular imaging. The laboratory utilizes the basic theoretical expertise of the group in accurately treating diffusive signals and photon-tissue interaction to provide for accurate real-time true quantitative fluorescence imaging, i.e. imaging that is independent of tissue optical properties or system illumination and detection specifics. Via advanced multi-spectral techniques developed for portable imaging, we can further resolve multiple fluorochromes in real-time without the need for wavelength scanning equipment. Combined, these techniques offer a new generation of fluorescence imaging for the clinics, to improve surgical and endoscopic vision.
Via preclinical imaging on appropriate animal models, the performance of different mechanisms of contrast, including the use of a variety of fluorescent probes for in-vivo imaging is validated as to its appropriateness for clinical translation. This is an important step as it validates not a simple imaging or targeting technology but entire imaging strategies for improving clinical benefit and is used as an iterative step to select the most appropriate imaging methodology for clinical propagation.
The laboratory employs a highly interdisciplinary team of engineers, biologists and surgeons to achieve a highly multi-disciplinary environment. By strong internal know-how and a vibrant collaboration with local and international clinical collaborators, the laboratory further works towards propagating these new visualization methods into the clinic, to enable molecular real-time investigations of tissue and radically improve the paradigm in many healthcare applications.
Figure: By collecting light at multiple wavelengths and correction methods based on photon-tissue interaction principles, accurate for depth and tissue optical properties and high resolution imaging can be achieved for endoscopic and intra-operative fluorescence imaging applications.