Development and testing of canine and human positioning devices for phase contrast CT imaging at the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron

The purpose of this research is to develop improved diagnostic and treatment tools for prostate cancer in humans through the use of a canine (dog) model and a synchrotron-based x-ray source for imaging and therapy at the Canadian Light Source (CLS). Novel techniques in synchrotron x-ray imaging, specifically in-line phase contrast CT (PC-CT), will be explored as a valuable method for research and clinical imaging of spontaneous canine prostatic diseases as a model for human diseases. This intern project will aid in the investigation of prostate disease by developing protocols and tools for PC-CT imaging of dogs and humans. This includes the development of a canine positioning device so we can perform PC-CT imaging of dog prostates on live animals, and to image the prostate of a human cadaver using PC-CT through the development of a human positioning device. We believe that successful completion of the aims of this study will pave the way for greatly improved imaging of the changes in the prostate gland, including cancer in humans.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Elizabeth Snead

Student:

Jay Keith

Partner:

RMD Engineering Ltd.

Discipline:

Engineering - biomedical

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of Saskatchewan