In order to assist in the design of our custom ultrasound probes, the HEPIUS center is equipped with ultrasound imaging systems commonly found in clinical settings. Some of our specific systems allow us to power and control custom ultrasound transducers for use in grayscale, color doppler and spectral doppler imaging modes.

The lab will use low-intensity, focused ultrasound neuromodulation equipment to aid in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. This equipment can target precise regions of the central nervous system and be programmed to continually treat the same region of the central nervous system across several days.

Therapeutic ultrasound can also be used in minimally invasive, high-intensity, focused applications to thermally ablate tissues, including brain tumors. We can monitor the ablation separately with different equipment that can create MRI images.

As part of the design process for our various ultrasonic transducers, we employ a combination of computer simulations and high-resolution experiments to determine the acoustic pressure fields generated by the devices. This includes the use of simulation software and equipment, including a needle hydrophone and a degassed water tank equipped with a 6-axis motorized positioner.

Our fabrication shop has a state-of-the-art 3D printer, laser cutter, vinyl cutter and 3D scanner. Coupled with a fully equipped soldering and rework station and microscopy equipment, the HEPIUS lab can fabricate virtually anything.

Rodent studies can't always be translated to human use, especially in the field of spinal cord injury. Supported by a 24/7, on-site veterinary team, our lab will rely on porcine models, which are more similar to humans' anatomy, vasculature and immune response.

Given our ultimate goal to be on the forefront of translational medicine, we're equipped with a fully stocked mock intensive care unit (ICU) to practice implementing our devices in tissue mimicking phantoms to ensure successful future use in patients.