1. Small Animal Ventilator for Hyperpolarized Helium MRI
Ashley Anderson III, Micah Brown,
Matt Smith, Chris Wegener
Client: Dr. Sean Fain
Advisor: Dr. Willis Tompkins

2. Client Requirements MRI compatible ventilator system
Deliver 20% O2 and 80% He-3 in same breath
Allows constant scanning of the He-3 in MRI rather than every 4 breaths

3. Background - Helium MRI
Newer technique
Same MRI scanner
Convention is H
Here, tuned to Helium (48.6 MHz)
Breath of Helium
Displays respiratory channels

4. Project Concept Each syringe feeds off of independent gas reservoirs
Gas mixing occurs right before entering small animal

5. First Generation Prototype
Currently in use in animal studies
Only using one syringe
Not compatible with small syringes for mouse studies

6. Modifications to G1 Reinforced syringe clips Larger motor
Eliminated O2 chaser breath

7. Calibration
Results using manometer testing. Graph shows small deviation from entered volumes.

8. Second Generation Concept

9. Second Generation Prototype
Created in Solidworks
Smaller components
Interchangeable syringes
Adjustable axle support

10. Second Generation Prototype
Large motor
Motor shielding
Precision machining
Can be disassembled

11. From Solidworks to Reality

12. Does it move?

13. Did we meet client requirements?
Gear ratios allow the appropriate 80/20 gas output ratio
MRI Safe materials
Motor shielded for RF
Rat/Mouse compatible

14. Future Work Calibration testing Software development
Volume delivery
Timing
Software development
Simultaneous 3He/O2 delivery
Inspired time based on %Insp and RR
Valve switching
Mixing testing (imaging)

15. Questions?