Developing Anatomically Accurate Phantoms for Hyperspectral Imaging in Brain Surgery

1) Brief description of the context of the research including potential impact

Brain tumors present significant challenges in surgery, risking critical brain functions. Neuronavigation systems aid in visualizing brain anatomy, but intraoperative inaccuracies hinder their effectiveness. The HyperProbe project aims to develop a handheld hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system to address this. Our research focuses on developing anatomically accurate phantoms for HSI validation. The outcome could revolutionize brain tumor surgery, enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

2) Aims and Objectives

The specific objectives are to:

- Develop an anatomically accurate phantom recipe for HSI system validation.
- Build a preliminary liquid phantom for initial instrument testing.

3) Novelty of Research Methodology

Our approach combines advanced mathematical and computing techniques with anatomically accurate phantoms, enhancing neuronavigational precision. Incorporating 3D printing ensures realism, effectiveness, customisability and low-cost design. The PhD will also delve into constructing modular phantoms.

4) Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas

This project strongly fits to the following EPSRC's research themes:

- Healthcare Technologies
- Engineering
- Physical sciences

5) Any companies or collaborators involved:

- TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN, Germany
- EMOLED SOCIETA A RESPONSABILITA LIMITATA, Italy
- UNIVERSITE LYON 1 CLAUDE BERNARD, France
- CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS, France
- AZIENDA OSPEDALIERO-UNIVERSITARIA CAREGGI, Italy
- EIBIR GEMEINNUTZIGE GMBH ZUR FORDERUNG DER ERFORSCHUNG DER BIOMEDIZINISCHEN BILDGEBUNG, Austria
- HOSPICES CIVILS DE LYON, France
- UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON, United Kingdom