The Hoglund Brain Imaging Center (HBIC) at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) brings together a unique combination of neuroimaging technologies under one roof. By providing an environment where basic and clinical neuroscientists can work together to integrate structural and functional approaches to the assessment of the brain in both health and disease, HBIC functions as a regional resource engaged in activities at the forefront of neuroscientific endeavors. Thanks to philanthropic (Forrest and Sally Hoglund), State, and Federal support, HBIC boasts state-of-the-art structural and functional imaging capabilities. For example, HBIC houses a 3T Siemens Allegra head-only MRI system that is capable of high resolution structural and functional MRI, MR spectroscopy, and diffusion and perfusion imaging. Complementing this human system is a 9.4T Varian MRI system for animal studies. HBIC is presently the only facility in the world with capabilities for whole-cortex adult magnetoencephalography (MEG) and high-density fetal MEG. The center has a 151-channel whole-head adult unit with capabilities for simultaneous recording of 156 channels of EEG. In a separate magnetically shielded room, there is an 83 channel high-density custom-designed unit which can be used for fetal MEG and MCG studies. This unit can also be used for investigation of cardiac and gastrointestinal physiology.
Whereas HBIC technologies will be used for some direct patient care activities (e.g., MEG mapping of epileptic activity in neurosurgical candidates), Center activities are primarily focused on research studies at basic and clinical translational levels. HBIC equipment is not intended for routine, large-scale patient diagnostic activities, so there is no need to “work around” a clinical schedule as is often found in a more traditional Radiology Department setting.
Physically, HBIC is a free-standing building located close to, but
separate from the University of Kansas Hospital. HBIC has its own dedicated
parking area that provides optimal subject access for the many out-patient studies to be carried out. The Center is located adjacent to the Animal Research Facility, a geography that facilitates straightforward transport of animals for studies. With a building foot print of 11,500 sq ft, the HBIC provides ample space for all activities associated with the proposed research studies. In particular, office space is provided for Center research scientists as is additional space (on a rotating basis) for collaborating scientists carrying out research studies at HBIC. Within the Center are subject areas including changing rooms, consultation
rooms for discussing studies, obtaining consent, and debriefing following
research studies, and clinical space for nursing support, participant preparation such as placing venous lines for injections and preparation for MEG studies.
For animal studies, there are animal preparation areas where anesthesia can
be
invoked, minor surgery can be carried out, and where animals can be held
for short durations before and after examinations.
The building is networked with optical fiber to ensure high-speed, high-reliability connections between all offices, MRI and MEG equipment, a large computer analysis space as well as to the University internet backbone. Computing facilities include Unix, PC/Linux, and Mac workstations for data analysis and interpretation. A further strength of the HBIC is its location in a free-standing building which, although located very close to the KU Hospital, will provide optimal access for the many out-patient studies to be carried out. It is also located adjacent to the Animal Research Facility that will facilitate straightforward transport of animals for studies.
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The University of Kansas Medical Center