MISSISSIPPI: Researchers Use Dye to Spark Revolution in Medical Imaging
The most common size of a brain aneurysm is believed to be about 2 millimeters in diameter.
But, current medical imaging techniques are limited to finding larger aneurysms between 5-10 millimeters, leaving most cases undiagnosed. Advances in imaging technology have the potential to save hundreds of people every year. Mississippi EPSCoR research is ready to make this possible with a dye that will allow medical professionals to find aneurysms down to 1 millimeter in size.
As a result of Mississippi EPSCoR research, a new medical imaging solution may soon be available, which will be more affordable with significantly improved image quality and reduced imaging time. It is almost comparable to having a camera inside a living human, without the invasiveness of endoscopy or surgery.
Dr. Jared Delcamp and Dr. Nathan Hammer from the University of Mississippi and Dr. Colleen Scott from Mississippi State University have been collaborating on the design of an advanced contrast agent that can be used as a dye that is injected into the body for various angiography procedures. While angiography already exists, this new form of dye will bring the procedure and the entire line of medical imaging to a new realm. By changing the contrast agent, this new solution will allow medical professionals to see instant HD-quality images and video from inside their patients. This advancement will revolutionize medical imaging and allow doctors to more effectively identify aneurysms, internal bleeding post-childbirth, arterial blood flow restrictions, and other blood flow-related issues.