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We are currently recruiting Graduate research assistants.
The following Undergraduate research projects are currently available.
Project: Advanced Image Processing in Elastography
Grad Student Advisor: Matt Ford (ford@case.edu)
Description: This project is a programming project in C++ or C# (student's preference). The project aim is to improve the speed, reliability, and usability of a software algorithm written to process elastographic data from OCT images. The project will involve applying algorithms from scientific journals and creating a user interface suitable for physicians and researchers. Proper characterization and validation of the new algorithms will also be required. This project is an excellent opportunity to learn to apply advanced scientific and engineering principles to a project well underway with clinical applications and utility.
Student targets: Image Processing, Biomechanics, Tissue Engineering
Project: Optical Clearing of Adult Cardiac Tissue
Grad Student Advisor: Christine Fleming (cfleming@case.edu)
Description: Due to the anisotropic nature of ventricular myocytes, fiber orientation, the alignment of myocytes within the heart wall, greatly influences the wavefront propagation direction and mechanical contractility. We have developed an algorithm to quantify fiber orientation in two dimensions within OCT volumes of cardiac tissue.
This project will require a student to develop a fixation protocol and algorithms to enhance the visibility of myofibers within OCT volumes of mouse hearts. The student will also develop a protocol to register OCT images with DTMRI images. This will allow comparison of fiber orientation measurements made with the two imaging modalities.
Student targets: Image processing, imaging, bioelectrics, biomechanics
Project: Integrated Optical Mapping and OCT System for Mapping Conduction Patterns in Cardiac Tissue
Graduate Student Advisor: Christine Fleming (cfleming@case.edu)
Optical Mapping is a technique that utilizes the properties of voltage sensitive dyes to image the propagation of action potentials with high spatial and temporal resolution. This project aims developing a system to image the conduction patterns in cardiac tissue simultaneously with Optical Mapping and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). From this, we will obtain a three dimensional structural representation of tissue being imaged and a two dimensional conduction pattern.
This project involves using solidworks or autocad to design a perfusion bath that can be used to sustain wedge preparations or whole canine or swine hearts. In addition, the student will design a way to illuminate the sample for fluorescence collection and electrodes for pacing and recording EKGs. The student will use Labview to control the perfusion, pacing, and EKG data acquisition. The system will be validated by acquiring simultaneous optical mapping and OCT images in a whole heart preparation.
Student targets: signal processing, bioelectrics
Project: Image analysis of radiofrequency ablation lesions
Graduate Student Advisor: Christine Fleming (cfleming@case.edu)
Cardiac arrhythmias are abnormalities of the electrical conduction of the heart and occur in patients of all ages with and without heart disease, compromising heart function. Catheter ablation using radiofrequency (RF) energy is commonly used as a non-pharmacological strategy in clinical electrophysiology to destroy or block abnormal conduction pathways to treat cardiac arrhythmias. We are currently using OCT to image the formation of ablation lesions in real-time.
This project involves developing automated segmentation tools to distinguish ablation lesions from viable tissue. The results of the algorithm developed will be compared to manual analysis and histology images of ablation lesions created with RF energy. The student will utilize image-processing tools such as ImageJ, Amira and Photoshop to conduct his research. The student will also help in real-time imaging experiments of ablation lesion formation.
Student targets: Signal/image processing, bioelectrics
Project: Optical Coherence Tomography of the Avian Heart
Graduate Student Advisor: Michael Jenkins
The mechanisms that lead to defects in the embryo have been difficult to understand as these events exceed the limits of resolution of all current non-destructive imaging modalities to date. An imaging method capable of providing structural and functional information with high spatial and temporal resolution in living tissue is necessary to investigate these important clinical problems. We have demonstrated that Optical OCT provides high resolution real time of avian embryos in-vivo.
Project 1: This project involves manually segmenting and measuring OCT images of the avian embryo heart. The student will need to conduct statistical analysis of the results to characterize mechanical functionality as function of age and disease state. The student will utilize image processing tools such as Photoshop, Amira and ImageJ to conduct research.
Student targets: Signal/image processing, Biomechanics, Tissue Engineering
Project 2: Searching for an undergraduate familiar with C++. Duties include adding functionality to an existing C++ program used to control an OCT imaging system. Also, the student will turn Matlab programs into C++ versions of the same code to speed up processing time. Proper guidance will be given to complete each task. Ideal for student looking to improve programming skills by completing programs in lab setting.
Student targets: BME Signal/image processing, Electrical Engineering / Computer Science
Optical and Mechanical Design Projects for the EOCT System Projects
Advisor: Dr. Zhilin Hu
Build up ultra high quality linear in wave number spectrometers at different wavelengths, 1310 nm, 840 nm, 1064 nm, and 810 nm. These spectrometers are the essential subsystems of advanced Fourier Domain OCTs. The students will be trained to learn the optical and mechanical design and the system development. (2-4 students)
Build portable Fourier Domain Bronchial OCT. This project is designed to build a while OCT system including catheter probe, data acquisition, control software, system assembling and testing. (4-5 students)
Post image processing of bronchial OCT image using advanced image processing software. (1 student)
Update high precision pulling system for the pull back of the catheter probe used for endoscopic OCTs. The system unlimited travel distance. (1 student)
1. Copy the drawing and play the AutoCad
2. Create 2-D engineering drawing for machine shop.
3. Modify the drawing with existing parts.
4. Contact machine shop and get the quote
5. Assemble the system and test.
Catheter OCT probe manufacturing: Catheter OCT probe is the sample arm of OCT system. Conventional structure of this kind of probe consists of optical fiber, individual micro optical lenses and protective sheath, and as well as the rotating or scanning part. Some new probe may be equipped with a micro-motor. Catheter probe is usually used in the endoscopic OCT (EOCT) in vivo imaging. The applications of EOCT include the lumens of the gastrointestinal track and the blood vessels. Generally, the probe could be located in most soft part of human body and small animal model. In the executive duration, the investigator(s) will learn the principle of OCT, optical and mechanical designs, optical alignment and evaluation, micro parts handling, and some control programming techniques. To fulfill this task, the candidate should have college optics or physics, good hands control, some lab experience, as well as plenty time on this project. The candidate should be also willing to learn advanced design software and programming.
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