If, for example, by getting up quickly, the blood pressure in the brain suddenly drops, this can have negative consequences, especially in older and/or vulnerable patients. Think of damage to the brain and cognitive problems such as dementia. To measure the effect of a sudden fluctuation in blood flow to the brain, LUMC radiology researcher Thijs van Osch invented the MRI box. This can be used to simulate the effects of lowering blood pressure on the brain.
Van Osch had been looking for a way to use an MRI scanner to investigate the effects of a sudden drop in blood pressure in the brain for some time. However, because patients have to lie in an MRI, this was not possible without an ingenious solution.
Self-developed MRI box
Finally he stood up the idea of the MRI boxor lower body negative pressure box. This closes between the knees and waist during an MRI. By then lowering the air pressure in the box, the effect of getting up quickly is simulated. This causes the blood to temporarily ‘drop’, which challenges the brain. According to the designers, the test subjects feel the same light-headed feeling with this box as when they stand up quickly.
The MRI box that is currently being used was developed by Wolf Botterman and Michael Boonekamp of the Design & Prototyping (Medical Technology) department. It is now already the second variant. In the first version, the subject’s entire legs were occluded. So now only the upper legs between knee and waist. The first version also had the disadvantage that when the box was turned on, the patient moved a few centimeters downwards, which made the MRI scan more difficult.
Because the box is used in an MRI, the design takes into account materials – such as plastic screws and plexiglass – that are suitable for use in a magnetic environment. The air pressure is regulated automatically. For this purpose, the team, together with instrument maker Bram de Visser, developed an electric motor and process controller with a hose connected to the box. Test subjects wear special leg and waist pieces made of wetsuit material, which helps to create an airtight seal. The box is transparent to reduce claustrophobic feelings
Ready for test with healthy persons
The MRI box can now be used to conduct research with healthy test subjects. The design is also being tested for safety and effectiveness by a medical ethics committee. Once this is in order, the box can also be used on older test subjects so that Van Osch can start his intended research: how do the brains of (vulnerable) elderly people respond to changes in blood pressure and what this means for their overall fitness and health.
Thijs Osch’s invention may be called fairly unique, especially in the Netherlands, but the further development of MRI technology is not. Just think of the helium-free BlueSeal MRIs from Philips, or the 4D MRI technology that was developed a few years ago, including here in the Netherlands, and with which live moving images of heart function can be made.
Thijs van Osch and His Ingenious MRI Box: The Science of Feeling Light-Headed
So, let’s have a little chat about what happens when you leap out of bed like a gazelle on the savannah, only to find your brain’s not quite ready to join the party. If you’ve ever stood up too quickly and felt that delightful rush of “Whoa, everything’s a bit wobbly”—you’re not alone. And for our senior friends? It can be like trying to use a flip phone in a smartphone world—cognitive confusion galore!
Enter Thijs van Osch, the MRI magician from the LUMC, who’s just introduced us to something absurdly clever: the MRI Box! This isn’t your average cardboard box for storing old Christmas decorations; oh no! This beauty is designed to simulate a drop in blood pressure, giving us a sneak peek into how the brain handles such stress, especially for our older population.
Welcome to the MRI Box: The New Ride at the Science Park
So here’s the deal—Thijs realized that traditional MRI scans weren’t exactly suited for understanding how a sudden drop in blood pressure affects our lovely brains. And why? Because people get to lie down, and let’s be honest—the only thing worse than lying face up in an MRI sounds like a bad pun.
After considerable head-scratching (and possibly some magic markers involved), the MRI Box was born—or should I say, engineered? This nifty contraption snugly wraps around the knees and waist during an MRI to lower the air pressure and simulate that light-headed feeling you get when you spring up like a jackrabbit! It’s like the ultimate psychological game: “Will I feel dizzy? Stay tuned!”
And let’s talk about the design here—it’s not just about feeling squeamish; it’s practical too! The good folks behind it—Wolf Botterman and Michael Boonekamp—have already upgraded it from the first iteration, which apparently didn’t just occlude the legs but also caused the subject to slip down like a slippery eel. Thank goodness we’re on version two, which keeps everything in place and allows for a better scan!
Now, if you’re worrying about claustrophobia, fear not! This box is transparent so you can see exactly what’s happening. Think of it as an adventure in medical technology where you can witness your own brain’s panic attack—talk about reality TV!
Ready, Set, Test! The Quest for Answers
But wait, there’s more—Thijs is just getting started! The MRI Box is ready to roll with healthy test subjects, but it’s also under scrutiny from a medical ethics committee. Because heaven forbid we start experimenting on the vulnerable without a bit of oversight! Once all the boxes are checked (pun totally intended), Thijs plans to investigate how the elders of our society are adjusting to these blood pressure swings—essentially turning his research into a masterclass in cognitive health.
Let’s not forget, while this MRI Box is new and shiny in the Netherlands, the evolution of MRI tech has been a slow burn with incredible advancements like Philips’ helium-free BlueSeal MRIs, or the exciting 4D tech that gives us action shots of heart functions, as if your heart is auditioning for a movie role!
Wrapping It Up
So, what do we take away from Thijs van Osch’s remarkable invention? Sometimes, to understand how the brain copes with pressure—be it actual or the feeling after a horrible day at work—we have to simulate the scenarios. With a dash of creativity, an engineer’s spirit, and a whole lot of ethical consideration, Thijs has set the stage for invaluable insights into our health, especially for those advancing in years.
Now, the next time you stand up too quickly, just remember there’s a whole box dedicated to recreating that feeling, and someone out there is a step closer to uncovering how we can keep our brains tangoing even as the body begins to falter. Cheers to science, and may our dizziness be understood!
What are the potential implications of the MRI Box on understanding blood pressure fluctuations in older adults?
**Interview with Thijs van Osch: The Genius Behind the MRI Box**
**Interviewer:** Thijs, thank you for joining us today! Can you tell us what inspired you to develop the MRI Box?
**Thijs van Osch:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration came from my observation of how sudden drops in blood pressure can affect people, particularly seniors. I wanted to investigate this phenomenon using MRI technology, but conventional scanning methods just didn’t allow for the exploration of these sudden fluctuations while the patient was lying down. Thus, the idea of the MRI Box was born.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! So, how does the MRI Box actually work to simulate the effects of a blood pressure drop?
**Thijs van Osch:** The MRI Box envelops the lower body, specifically between the knees and waist. We lower the air pressure inside the box, which mimics the light-headed sensation that occurs when someone stands up quickly. The aim is to create a controlled environment where we can study how the brain reacts to this sudden change in blood flow—something critical for our older population.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a complex engineering challenge! How did you ensure that the design is practical and safe for users?
**Thijs van Osch:** It was indeed a challenge! We had an amazing team, including Wolf Botterman and Michael Boonekamp, who helped refine the initial design. We learned from our first prototype, which had issues with patient positioning. The updated version is designed to secure users better and prevent any slipping during scans. Plus, we made sure to use materials suitable for the MRI environment, such as plastic screws and plexiglass.
**Interviewer:** And how does the transparency of the box help patients during the process?
**Thijs van Osch:** Transparency is key! Many individuals feel claustrophobic in enclosed spaces, especially during an MRI. By making the box transparent, we allow patients to see their surroundings, which can help reduce anxiety and improve comfort during the scan.
**Interviewer:** You’re now moving toward testing the box with healthy subjects. What are the next steps for this research?
**Thijs van Osch:** Correct! We are currently conducting studies with healthy participants to fine-tune our methodology. After receiving approval from the medical ethics committee, we plan to extend our research to include older adults. Our goal is to better understand how fluctuations in blood pressure affect their cognitive function and overall health.
**Interviewer:** That’s an important mission, especially for our aging population. Do you think the MRI Box could pave the way for further innovations in medical imaging?
**Thijs van Osch:** Absolutely! The MRI Box is a step towards trying out new ideas in using MRI technology for diverse clinical scenarios. If successful, it could lead to more pioneering tools to study various conditions related to blood pressure and cognition.
**Interviewer:** Thijs, thank you for sharing your insights on this innovative project. We look forward to seeing how the MRI Box influences future research!
**Thijs van Osch:** Thank you! I’m excited about the potential of this project and its implications for understanding brain health, especially among older adults.
