Image-Guided Therapy and Pediatric Focused Ultrasound
Our Image-Guided Therapy and Pediatric Focused Ultrasound (IGT-FUS) laboratory is located in the SickKids Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning (PGCRL). Key infrastructure features a Philips dStream Achieva 3T MRI scanner with an integrated Profound Sonalleve V2 FUS table.
The MRI exam room is equipped with an MR compatible vitals monitor, anesthesia and ventilator, and a full suite of imaging coils.
The MRI and MRgFUS system are dedicated for technical development and translational research in animal models.
Image-Guided Therapy and Pediatric Focused Ultrasound
Preclinical Imaging Facility
We are located in a dedicated preclinical imaging facility that includes an animal prep and recovery room.
Our facility also features a Xenon gas hyperpolarizer for the development of novel inhaled MR contrast agents.
Image-Guided Therapy and Pediatric Focused Ultrasound
Ultrasound Image-guided FUS Research
We also are developing ultrasound-guided FUS applications using a Verasonics Vantage HIFUPlex unit that features an imaging probe concentric with the HIFU array.
Image-Guided Therapy and Pediatric Focused Ultrasound
Stereotactic FUS for Brain Research in Rodents
We have a benchtop FUS sonication unit dedicated for brain sonications in rodent models.
These sonications can be guided by stereotactic atlas or co-registered with our Philips 3T MRI system.
Image-Guided Therapy and Pediatric Focused Ultrasound
Small Animal High Field MR-guided FUS
In collaboration with the SickKids Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), we also conduct MR-guided rodent FUS research using an 11.7T Bruker ultra high field scanner.
Image-Guided Therapy and Pediatric Focused Ultrasound
MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) Therapy and Simulation
MRgFUS for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders
We are developing techniques to thermally ablate osteoid osteoma bone tumors with MR-guided FUS.
FUS for Canine Osteosarcoma
We are collaborating with veterinary surgeons at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph to treat canine companions with naturally-occurring bone tumours.
Focused ultrasound achieves thermal ablation in the tumour, alleviating pain and potentially causing local control.
MRgHIFU for the treatment of congenital anomalies in utero
We are developing noninvasive FUS techniques for in utero therapy.
Safety and feasibility studies are being conducted in a pregnant rabbit model.
We are collaborating with the Ontario Fetal Centre to translate this clinically for twin-reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAPS).
MRgFUS hyperthermia for drug delivery
We are developing real time motion compensation and adaptive beam steering for hyperthermia mediated drug delivery to moving tumours.
MRgFUS Tendon Disruption for Contracture
We have developed pulsed FUS techniques that can disrupt the fibrous tissue structure of tendons. This is being developed as a non-invasive therapy for children with tendon contracture due to cerebral palsy.
MRgFUS for intraventricular clot lysis
We have developed a piglet model of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) that develops hydrocephalus.
We have developed FUS histotripsy techniques to lyse IVH clots in vivo.
FUS simulation pipeline for Retinoblastoma
A K-Wave simulation platform is being developed to confirm safety of intraocular FUS for retinoblastoma.
Transcranial MRgFUS for epilepsy treatment
Clinical system from Insightec will be installed in Q1 2025 on a Siemens PrismaFIT 3T MRI for treatment of pediatric patients with hypothalamic hamartoma and epileptic foci.
Image-Guided Therapy and Pediatric Focused Ultrasound
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
We are developing physics-informed neural networks (PINN) for the prediction of brain temperature in the presence of heat sinks to assist with planning MR-guided LITT treatments in the brain.
Image-Guided Therapy and Pediatric Focused Ultrasound
MRI-Compatible Robotics
Robotic MRgFUS for Neonatal Brain Targeting
We are developing MR compatible robotic systems for delivery of transcranial FUS in newborn patients.
Our MR compatible robots achieve high positioning accuracy in a high magnetic field using ultrasonic motors and non-magnetic hardware and electronics.
Image-Guided Therapy and Pediatric Focused Ultrasound
High-fidelity Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Cardiac gated MRI in a guinea pig model
We are developing techniques to perform cardiac gated MRI in a guinea pig model of right ventricular failure.
These sequences measure cardiac output and blood flow velocity in 2cm guinea pig heart beating at over 250bpm.
Neuroimaging for surgical planning in a piglet model
We are developing MRI-based diffusion tractography for the improving the targeting of white matter for FUS brain ablation.
Image-Guided Therapy and Pediatric Focused Ultrasound
Connectomics and Brain Network Mapping
Pediatric deep brain stimulation clinic
The group is highly integrated with one of the largest and most experienced pediatric deep brain stimulation clinics in the world, providing opportunities to deliver novel therapies for highly resistant pediatric disorders.
Image-Guided Therapy and Pediatric Focused Ultrasound
Neuromodulation
Novel methods in neuromodulation
Using electricity, sound and magnetism, we are developing novel devices and tools to modulate brain circuits based on advanced brain mapping tools.
Prospective Registry for Deep Brain Stimulation
Multi-site prospective registry for DBS
World-first clinical trials in pediatric neuromodulation/deep brain stimulation
Integrating image guidance and novel neuromodulation neurotechnologies, we have developed preclinical tools to study neurodevelopmental disorders.
Translational work aims to develop novel treatments for highly challenging conditions of childhood, including epilepsy, Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and others.
Machine learning and Computer vision to deliver precision child health
Using multisite databases, we are using computer vision and network-informed analyses to understand why some children respond to certain brain-based interventions while some do not.
Leveraging expertise in imaging processing involving structural imaging and functional imaging (fMRI, MEG), we are developing AI-based decision-making frameworks for clinicians.
The Cradle
Canada’s first pediatric specific accelerator.
Canada’s first pediatric accelerator unites experts to develop innovations for children's care. It supports start-ups with legal, financial, and engineering resources to bring ideas to market.
