NEUROPT

Non-invasive imaging of brain function and disease by pulsed near infrared light

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The proposal aims at the development and clinical validation of advanced non-invasive optical methodologies for in-vivo diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of major neurological diseases (stroke, epilepsy, ischemia), based on diffuse optical imaging by pulsed near infrared light. Established diagnostic imaging modalities (e.g. X-ray Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Positron Emission Tomography) provide 3D anatomical, functional or pathological information with spatial resolution in the millimetre range. However, these methods cannot be applied continuously or at the bedside. Diffuse optical imaging is expected to provide a valuable complementing tool to assess perfusion and blood oxygenation in brain tissue and their time evolution in a continuous or quasi-continuous manner. The devices will be portable and comparably inexpensive and can be applied in adults and in children. Time-domain techniques are acknowledged as offering superior information content and sensitivity compared to other optical methods, allowing for separation between contributions of surface tissues (skin and skull) and brain tissue. Time-domain imaging can also differentiate between the effects of scatter and those of absorption.The consortium plans major developments in technology and data analysis that will enhance time-domain diffuse optical imaging with respect to spatial resolution, sensitivity, robustness of quantification as well as performance of related instruments in clinical diagnosis and monitoring. The diagnostic value of time-domain diffuse optical imaging will be assessed by clinical pilot studies addressing specific neurological disorders, in comparison with established neurophysiological and neuroimaging techniques. Perspectives regarding clinical application of time-domain diffuse optical brain imaging will be estimated and a reliable basis for a potential commercialisation of this novel technique by European system manufacturers will be created.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A European consortium worked towards the development of advanced non-invasive imaging methodologies for in vivo diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of major neurological diseases. This integrated approach could revolutionise the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions including stroke and severe brain trauma.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) are imaging techniques that provide extensive anatomical and physiological data of outmost importance for guiding diagnosis and therapy in clinical practice. However, these methods cannot assess systemic parameters such as heart rate or blood pressure, and they cannot they be applied at the bedside. Electroencephalography (EEG) constitutes a long-standing technique that can continuously and non-invasively monitor the brain.

The EU-funded 'Non-invasive imaging of brain function and disease by pulsed near infrared light' (NEUROPT) consortium was motivated to generate a clinical tool for continuous monitoring of the haemodynamic parameters of cerebral oxygenation and perfusion. This tool should also complement MRI/CT/PET methods and at the same time be compatible with existing neuro-monitoring techniques (EEG, Doppler ultrasound).

To achieve this, partners had to improve spatial resolution of current imaging techniques, remove artefacts and enable the absolute quantification of physiological parameters. To this end, they employed time-resolved techniques that offer greater sensitivity than most optical methods and distinguish between surface tissues (e.g. skin and skull) and brain tissue.

Novel photonic devices were constructed as well as device prototypes for use in the clinical setting, including a specialised helmet for attaching the optical fibres to the head. Through software development, researchers could also analyse the time-resolved measurements on the head and calculate the oxy- and deoxyhaemoglobin concentrations. Additionally, NEUROPT researchers worked on realistic modelling and computation, especially with a view to improving light propagation in the human head.

The feasibility of this combinatorial approach was tested in separate visual and motor studies in healthy individuals. It was further successfully applied to perform measurements in patients with acute neurological conditions, photosensitive epilepsy or stroke.

Given the non-invasive nature of the NEUROPT approach and its potential to be continuously applied at the bedside, it should facilitate the diagnosis of functional brain impairment and monitor its progress. As a result, it should improve the prognosis of patients with serious neurological conditions and could also be applied for imaging the brains of infants.