Introductory description

ES97D-15 Biomedical Imaging and Medical Devices

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Lectures and Seminars:

1. Introduction to Imaging and Sensing, to include a general introduction to the course. Introduction or revision of core concepts including statistics, vector calculus, k-space, Fourier transforms.

2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), to include: the physical basis of MRI, sequences commonly used in the clinic and research, system interfaces, data formats and post-processing tools, quality control in image acquisition and interpretation, functional MRI and statistical approaches to data processing, instrumentation, safety.

3. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), to include: the physical origin of the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrum, methods of spatial localisation and quantitative analysis, characteristic spectra in health and disease.

4. Electroencephalography (EEG), to include: the physical, electrophysiological, and technological principles underlying the generation and measurement of Electroencephalography (EEG) signals, spatio-temporal nature of EEG signals, and the link with Magnetoencephalography (MEG), Brain mapping using EEG and EMG.

5. Computed Tomography (CT) to include: the physical and mathematical basis for X-Ray Computed Tomography (CT), concept of a sinogram, Radon Transform for image reconstruction by back-projection, processing tools including 3D reconstruction, instrumentation, and safety. Production of X-ray images, attenuation coefficients, choice of suitable energy, contrast, hardware.

6. Radionuclide Imaging (RI) to include: the theory of radioactive decay and detectors, radiopharmaceuticals and their production, nuclear medicine imaging systems, clinical applications, instrumentation including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) systems.

7. Ultrasound in Medicine to include: ultrasound imaging, generation and detection of ultrasound, ultrasound propagation, choice of frequency, A-scan, B-scan, M-mode imaging and echo cardiography. Use of Doppler techniques for blood flow etc. Use of ultrasound in therapy.

8. Introduction to Image Processing, to include: Segmentation, registration and fusion, and quantification; software including open-source packages.

9. Advanced Techniques and Applications, with topics including (but not exclusively): Transcranial Sonography, Multimodal imaging (PET-MRI), Dual-energy CT, Imaging for Current Applications (choice of topics might include Surgery, Spinal Cord Imaging, Dementia, Automated Segmentation, etc.)

Examples Classes (2 hours) worked examples reflecting the level at which the module will be examined, and an opportunity for the students to raise questions about the course content.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the complex underlying principles of modern medical imaging and sensing.
• Critically evaluate, compare and contrast the primary methods in clinical practice for investigation of the human body and brain.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative assessments related to the theoretical and practical constraints on state-of-the-art imaging and sensing technologies, including spatial and temporal resolution, sensitivity, and specificity for the structural or functional properties to be detected.
• Understand key drivers for the development of advanced applications, including an appreciation of how medical imaging and sensing support areas of diagnostics, surgery, and therapy.
• Understand how recent developments, e.g. in multimodal imaging, are advancing progress at the frontiers of medical research and delivered healthcare.

Indicative reading list

Essentials of In Vivo Biomedical Imaging, Simon R. Cherry, Ramsey D. Badawi, Jinyi Qi, 2015 by CRC Press Textbook ISBN 9781439898741

MRI from Picture to Proton, Second edition, By Donald W. McRobbie, Elizabeth A. Moore, Martin J. Graves, Martin R. Prince, Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Online ISBN:9780511545405, Hardback ISBN:9780521865272, Paperback ISBN:9780521683845

Subject specific skills

TBC

Transferable skills

TBC