Research Project
10282959
ABSTRACT The University of Minnesota (UMN) Udall Imaging Core, led by Noam Harel, Ph.D. and based at the University of Minnesota?s internationally renowned Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), will acquire state- of-the-art, high-resolution MRI for all subjects in the Projects and Catalyst. The overall theme of the UMN Udall Center is to develop novel, circuit based deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapies for Parkinson?s disease (PD). As a foundation for all three proposed projects, the Catalyst project and in collaboration with the other cores in support of this theme, the overall goal of the Imaging Core is to use advanced imaging capabilities for direct visualization of anatomical targets for DBS surgery as well as provide the precise location and orientation of individual stimulating electrode contacts within the target post-implantation. The Imaging Core will combine several cutting-edge MRI techniques, including high resolution T1/T2s and susceptibility weighted images (SWI). Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) will also be acquired for white-matter tractography to create patient-specific anatomical models of the target region and associated networks. To complement the static anatomical connectivity information, we will create functional connectivity maps using resting-state and task based functional MRI (fMRI) data of circuit-based cognitive function/non-motor regions. For Projects 1, 2 and the Catalyst, PD patients will be scanned on a 7 T MRI system using tools developed by our team at the CMRR. In addition, in a subset of PD patients that will be implanted with the Medtronic Percept system, functional maps of DBS-fMRI stimulation will be collected on a 3T MRI system. For Project 3, non-human primates (NHPs) will be scanned on the newly installed, first of its kind, 10.5 T MRI scanner, also at the CMRR. For each PD patient and each NHP, the Imaging Core will acquire high-resolution MRI data prior to DBS implantation and a head CT scan after surgery. Images will be fused to provide a comprehensive anatomical model of the DBS target and the precise location of individual DBS contacts within each target. The Imaging Core will provide patient-specific anatomical models, precise post-surgery DBS lead localization, and parcellation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) to their functional sub-regions. These images will provide unparalleled anatomical characterization specific to each individual. Subject specific models of anatomical and functional connectivity developed by the Imaging Core will provide data that is vital for the completion of each project in the UMN Udall Center.
