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Small Animal Imaging Laboratory (SAIL)

In recognition of the value of small animal imaging to the research community, Children's Hospital Boston has committed to developing a state-of-the-art Small Animal Imaging Laboratory. The SAIL facility is located within the Department of Radiology's Kresge Laboratory.

Instrumentations

• Siemens Focus 120 microPET. It is a high-resolution, small animal PET scanner that combines high spatial resolution (<1.3 mm) and high sensitivity (>7%) with a bore size (12 cm diameter and 7.6 axial length) that is optimized for imaging mice and rats. Among commercially available radioactive agents, we are routinely imaging with 18F 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) and 18F sodium fluoride. We have also carried out some microPET studies with 18F fluorothymidine (FLT) provided by the Division of Nuclear Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital; we have validated the synthesis of 18F FHBG and have carried out preliminary studies with this tracer.

• Siemens microCAT II. It is a high-resolution (27 microns in standard mode and 15 microns in high-resolution mode) CT scanner designed specifically for imaging small animals such as mice and rats. The radiation detector is configurable such that, for mice, the transaxial field of view is 5.4 cm and the axial field of view is 8 cm; whereas, for rats, the transaxial field of view is 8 cm and the axial field of view is 5.4 cm. We have utilized microCT for tumor imaging, for anatomical correlation for microPET studies, and for ex vivo imaging (e.g., structural analysis of porcine cardiac valves).

• VisualSonics Vevo 770 ultrasound. The laboratory is equipped with a VisualSonics Vevo 770 small animal ultrasound system. This is a high-resolution instrument (30 microns) that can also image at high speed (up to 100 frames per second). It is capable of imaging in 3D mode as well as M mode, and can also provide pulsed wave Doppler imaging. The device is equipped with two transducers (25 and 40 MHz) and the Vevo Integrated Rail System, which facilitates alignment of the mouse and the probe as well as image-guided injection, when necessary. The table is heated and includes sensor pads for monitoring the animal during examination. The system is routinely used for cardiac imaging in small animals.

• ADC/XRE Unicath SP fluoroscopy. Large-animal fluoroscopy is available using an ADC/XRE Unicath SP single-plane cardiovascular digital angiography unit with a high-resolution fluoroscopy tube, an advanced image intensifier with full-frame zoom, and an image analysis workstation.

• Faxitron MX-20 Specimen Radiograph System x-ray. It provides high-resolution x-ray images of mice and small rats (the system includes a gas anesthesia system) as well the ability to obtain radiographic images of excised tissue samples. The x-ray tube can operate at voltages ranging from 10 to 35 kVp with a maximum tube current of 300 A. The focal spot is 20 um allowing for very high spatial resolution. The system is mounted on a cart and can be moved around the laboratory as necessary.