Michael Lang Colloquium

Fri. Jan. 26 12:30 PM - Fri. Jan. 26 01:20 PM
Location: 3M69 & via Zoom

Moving MRI to the OR

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to acquire preoperative brain images which guide hospital staff in developing a surgical plan for tumour resection and other neurosurgical procedures. During surgery it is advantageous to acquire updated images for improved neuronavigation and correct for complications such as brain shift. Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) enables updated MR imaging throughout a surgical procedure, providing the opportunity to adjust the surgical plan, correct for complications, and confirm if the surgical goals have been met prior to closing the patient. In general, iMRI can be achieved by either moving the patient from the surgical bed to a nearby MR system or by moving the MRI magnet into the operating room to acquire images.

Within the last several years, a group of Winnipeg scientists and engineers have developed a novel method to mobilize a full-sized MRI system, with the goal of improving accessibility of moving magnet iMRI. In this talk, a brief history of MRI and current iMRI solutions will first be outlined. Following this, the novel ground-based moving magnet iMRI solution and newly formed Winnipeg startup (Taumedis Inc.) that intends to manufacture and distribute the technology will be discussed.

BIO: Dr. Michael Lang is a co-founder and CTO of Taumedis in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He obtained his BSc. in Physics from the University of Winnipeg (2011), following which he worked at IMRIS developing RF coils and MR compatible hardware for intraoperative MRI procedures. He then obtained his MSc (2014) and PhD (2020) in Physics from the University of Manitoba, with research focussed on active magnetic shielding and production of hyperpolarized xenon gas, both geared towards the ongoing nEDM experiment at TRIUMF. After obtaining his graduate degrees, Michael began a postdoctoral fellowship with the University of Winnipeg Physics Department, working in partnership with the Sino Canada Health Institute. His postdoctoral work focussed on the development of intraoperative MRI systems, both from an engineering and regulatory perspective. Most recently, Michael and his Winnipeg colleagues founded Taumedis, with a goal of delivering the highest quality medical imaging solutions to hospitals, clinics, and research facilities, globally.

For a zoom invitation to this talk, please email an.wiebe@uwinnipeg.ca