# A fast CTOT for mapping whole brain hemodynamic activity in infants

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · 2024 · $193,050

## Abstract

Abstract
Although Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI) is widely used to examine brain
activation in adults, technical and logistical challenges frequently limit the ability to perform fMRI scans readily
and longitudinally in infants, particularly in those at greatest risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes and
developmental delays. As a consequence, prognostics are made on general basis and cannot be individualized
for optimal management. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy – Diffuse Optical Tomography (fNIRS-DOT)
imaging promises to be an alternative imaging technique. The current fNIRS-DOT imaging are limited to cortex
regions and unable to interrogate deep structures such as the basal ganglia and thalamus that are often involved
premature infant brain injury. Recently, we reported a continuous wave-based transcranial near infrared optical
imaging system, called Cap-based Transcranial Optical Tomography (CTOT) that employed a single, GaAs
intensified, CCD detector array to image whole brain hemodynamic activity in an awake child with seconds of
acquisition time. However, the substantial readout time of the CCD detector and slow mechanical switching of
source and detector fiber optics resulted in large dead-times that lengthened measurement times. Armed with
our preliminary data of the clinical feasibility, we propose to speed up measurement times by adapting recent
advances of fast read-out, scientific CMOS detector arrays along with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)
for novel dynamic range control, automated calibration, and optical switching of source and collection fiber optics
in order to enable sub-second, dynamic CTOT mapping. The significance and innovation of this approach will
be substantial, as never before has a nonintrusive, noninvasive methodology been developed to completely
elucidate whole brain hemodynamic activity in infants. Our specific aims are to: (1) refine our CTOT imaging
system with a single, GaAs intensified integrating detector, a MEMS optical switch for source fiber optics and a
digital micromirror device for detector fiber optics to enable rapid, dynamic imaging; and (2) validate CTOTfNIRS
derived hemodynamic activity in infants undergoing BOLD fMRI. If successful, the proposed work will provide
the first, rapid whole brain CTOT imaging system for sensitive assessment of brain hemodynamic activity in
infants. In the short term, CTOT images will eventually help parents, physicians and therapists best plan and
care for children with brain deficits so that their quality of life is optimized as they progress through childhood.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10849656
- **Project number:** 5R21HD108494-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Banghe Zhu
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $193,050
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-06-01 → 2026-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10849656

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10849656, A fast CTOT for mapping whole brain hemodynamic activity in infants (5R21HD108494-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10849656. Licensed CC0.

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