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Applications

The application domains are mainly related to the integration of the collaboration with local clinical partners even though long term external collaboration can also influence some of them (e.g. Utrecht U. Hopital, Netherlands; MARIARC, Liverpool, UK; INSERM U494, CHR La Pitié Salpétrière Paris, INSERM U594, Grenoble &). Because we intend to build a multidisciplinary group, we mainly want to focus on application based on a long term collaboration especially with our local clinical partners (neurosurgery, neurology, radiology and even nuclear medicine). Again, since this is also a very large domain, for seek of efficiency, our applications will be primarily focused on head and brain related diseases.

Neuroimaging

One objective of research in neuroimaging is the construction of anatomical and functional cerebral maps under normal and pathological conditions. Many researches are currently performed to find correlations between anatomical structures, essentially sulci and gyri, where neuronal activation takes place, and cerebral functions, as assessed by recordings obtained by the means of various neuroimaging modalities, such as PET (Positron Emission Tomography), fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging), EEG (Electro-EncephaloGraphy) and MEG (Magneto- EncephaloGraphy). Then, a central problem inherent to the formation of such maps is to put together recordings obtained from different modalities and from different subjects. This mapping can be greatly facilitated by the use of MR anatomical brain scans with high spatial resolution that allows a proper visualization of fine anatomical structures (sulci and gyri). Recent improvements in image processing techniques, such as segmentation, registration, delineation of the cortical ribbon, modeling of anatomical structures and multi-modality fusion, make possible this ambitious goal in neuroimaging. This problem is very rich in term of applications since both clinical and neuroscience application share similar problems. Because this domain is very generic by nature, our major contributions will be directed toward clinical needs even though our work can address some specific aspects related to the neuroscience domain.

Anatomical and functional brain atlases

The major objective within this application domain is to build anatomical and functional brain atlases in the context of functional mapping for pre-surgical planning and for the study of neurodegenerative brain diseases (Multiple sclerosis, Epilepsy, Parkinson or even Alzheimer). This is a very competitive research domain, but based on our recent works in this field [1, 7, 8], and by continuing our local and wider collaborations (local clinical partners, Neurobase collaborators &) we believe that we can propose an original contribution with a significant impact in this field.

Multiple sclerosis

The major objective within this application domain is to find new descriptors for tracking the evolution of the pathology from high dimensional data (e.g. nD+t MRI). This can be used to better assess the efficiency of new drug tests or to better understand the evolution of the pathology. Again, this becomes also a very competitive domain, but Sylvain Prima's recent successes [10], our long experience in spatio-temporal and multimodal analysis of medical volumes, and moreover our proximity with the Neurology Dept., Pontchaillou Hosp., one of the most important recruitment site in Europe (the first one in France), motivates this involvement.

Brain morphometry analysis

The major objective within this application domain is to find new descriptors to study the brain anatomy and/or its function (e.g. variation of brain perfusion, evolution in shape and size of an anatomical structure in relation with pathology, computation of asymmetries &). This is also a very critical research domain, especially for many neurodegenerative brain diseases (Epilepsy or Alzheimer for instance). Here again, because we have very relevant clinical partners, local or not (through the Neurobase project for instance), we believe that our contribution in this field can be original with also a significant impact.

Image guided intervention

The major objective within this application domain will be to develop systems using surgical guidance tools and real-time imagery in the interventional theatre. This imagery can come from video (using augmented reality procedures), echography or even MRI or thermal imagery for the future. This application domain will be covered with tight collaboration with Pierre Jannin from IDM Laboratory, and will find local support with for instance the Neurosurgery Dept., Pontchaillou Hosp. where X. Morandi (PU-PH) spent a year in Montreal working in this field. On the methodological side, we will continue our collaboration on the augmented reality topic with the Lagadic Team.

Per-operative imaging in neurosurgery

The major objective within this application domain is to correct for brain deformations that occur during surgery. Neuronavigation systems make it now possible to superimpose preoperative images with the surgical field under the assumption of a rigid transformation. Nevertheless, non-rigid brain deformations, as well as brain resection, drastically limit the efficiency of such systems. The major objective here is to estimate brain deformations using 3D ultrasound and video information. This will be developed in collaboration with local clinical partners (X. Morandi, PU-PH, Neurosurgery Dept., Rennes).

Robotics for 3D echography

This project will be conducted jointly with the Lagadic project. The goal is to use active vision concepts in order to control the trajectory of a robot based on the contents of echographic images and video frames (taken from the acquisition theatre). Possible applications are the acquisition of echographic data between two remote sites (the patient is away from the referent clinician) or the monitoring of interventional procedure like biopsy or selective catheterisms. This is a very challenging topic and we will work in collaboration with local clinical partners (P. Darnault, PUPH) and others (e.g. F. Tranquart and L. Pourcelot from INSERM Tours or the Robarts Research Institute at UWO, London, ON, Canada).

3D free-hand ultrasound

The major objective within this application domain is to develop efficient and automatic procedures to allow the clinician to use conventional echography to acquire 3D ultrasound and to propose calibrated quantification tools for quantitative analysis and fusion procedures. This will be used to extend the scope of view of an examination. This will also be developed in collaboration with local clinical partners (P. Darnault, PU-PH and C. Treguier, PH).

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