Provides state-of-the-art magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR physics support to the research community of Hamilton and southern Ontario.
The Imaging Research Centre at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton is home to a 3T MRI scanner dedicated for research, with on-site physics support to enable a tremendous breadth of magnetic resonance (MR)-related research activities. Equipped with a full slate of pulse sequences and radiofrequency coils (RF coils), routine MR imaging for any anatomical location is possible. With visual and auditory stimulus presentation systems, and button boxes to record subject responses, we have all the tools to facilitate functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments. Multi-nuclear capability enables scanning of nuclei such as 23Na, 13C, 31P and 129Xe, among others. A state-of-the-art Xenon Hyperpolarizer delivers the highly polarized 129Xe gas needed for advanced functional lung imaging. An in-house RF coil lab provides all important technical support for research studies. A service contract and comprehensive research agreement with GE HealthCare ensure that the latest advances in MR technology can be readily implemented on our scanner. The Centre is staffed with very experienced MR technologists helps to ensure the safety and comfort of participants, leading to successful scans.
- 3T MRI scanning (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE)
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with visual, auditory and subject response peripherals
- Hyperpolarized Xenon lung MR imaging
- On-site MR physics support
- Radiofrequency coil (RF coil) laboratory
- Laboratory space for associated testing before/after MR scan
- Dedicated research medical radiation technologists for human scanning
- Education
- Healthcare and social services
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Specialized labs and equipment
Equipment | Function |
---|---|
GE HealthCare Discovery MR750 3.0T MR system | Research-dedicated MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanner. |
Polarean Xenon HPX Hyperpolarizer, Model 9820 | Prepares highly polarized Xenon-129 gas for inhalation to enable lung imaging. |
Cambridge Research Systems BOLDscreen 24 LCD for MRI | MRI-compatible, high resolution, LCD display for fMRI (functional MRI). |
Current Designs fORP interface unit, model FIU-005 | Fibre optic response (fORP) device. MRI-compatible participant response system for fMRI with 5-button unilateral and 4-button bilateral buttons. |
MR Confon audio system | MRI compatible audio system for fMRI. |
Resoundant Inc. MR Elastography system | To enable quantitative tissue stiffness measurements using MRI. |
Multipurpose lab | Space for participant interviews or other testing before/after MRI scan. |
Bayer MEDRAD Spectris Solaris EP MR Injection System | MRI-compatible power injector for delivering MRI contrast agent to participant. |
MEDRAD Veris 8600 MR Monitoring System | MRI-compatible patient monitor system. |
Agilent 4395A Network Spectrum Impedance Analyzer | Characterizes radiofrequency (RF) circuits, used for RF coil development. |
Dell computer server | 20TB data server for MRI data. |
Private and public sector research partners
- PreOperative Performance
- MRIdt
- Insight Medbotics
- Sentinelle Medical Inc.
- McMaster University
- Mohawk College
- Hamilton Health Sciences
- Population Health Research Institute (PHRI)
- University of Waterloo
- University of Guelph
- University of Toronto
- Toronto Metropolitan University
Additional information
Title | URL/Hyperlink |
---|---|
Collision course: A Spectator report on the science of hard head knocks (traumatic brain injury study in former football players). | https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/collision-course-a-spectator-report-on-the-science-of-… |
This heart beats for science (cardiac MRI). | https://brighterworld.mcmaster.ca/articles/this-heart-beats-for-science/ |
Hamilton collaboration transforms the future of medical imaging (Mohawk College and McMaster University collaboration). | https://investor.gehealthcare.com/news-releases/news-release-details/hamilton-collaboration-transfo… |