Traditionally, DCS estimates an index of brain blood flow by modeling the head as a homogeneous medium. However, this approach can lead to significant errors due to the influence of the scalp and skull. More sophisticated models that treat the head as a three-layered medium (i.e., scalp, skull, brain) are becoming more common because they help minimize the influence of extracerebral layers on the estimate of cerebral blood flow. However, these models rely on a priori knowledge of the optical properties and thicknesses of the scalp, skull, and brain. Errors in these values can lead to errors in the estimation of brain blood flow, although the magnitude of this influence has not been rigorously characterized. In this paper, we investigate the accuracy of measuring cerebral blood flow with a three-layer model when errors in layer optical properties or thicknesses are present.  Through a series of in silico  experiments, we demonstrate that brain blood flow is highly sensitive to errors in brain optical properties and skull and scalp thicknesses. Relative changes in brain blood flow are less sensitive to optical properties but are influenced appreciably by errors in layer thickness. Thus, when using the three-layer model, accurate estimation of scalp and skull thickness are required for reliable results. More details here.

The Buckley lab is excited to announce our latest collaboration with Dr. Clark Brown and Global Blood Therapeutics to investigate the influence of Oxbryta^TM on cerebral hemodynamics. Oxbryta^TM is a recently approved treatment for sickle cell disease that inhibits sickle cell polymerization. It has been shown to improve hemoglobin levels and reduce the incidence of worsening anemia. Our work will test the hypothesis that as hemoglobin increases in patients on Oxbryta^TM, cerebral blood flow and oxygen extraction fraction will decrease, similar to the effects of blood transfusion.

The Buckley Lab at the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University is seeking a highly motivated full-time Research Technician.  This research associate will contribute to projects that expand the clinical applications of a novel light-based device used to non-invasively monitor the brain. This opening is available ASAP. 

Responsibilities: Job responsibilities will include data acquisition with the device in a clinical setting, study consenting, patient interaction, database management, IRB protocol compliance and record keeping, construction of optical sensors, along with assistance on a variety of other miscellaneous experiments. The candidate is expected to be self-motivated, detail oriented, have strong interpersonal skills, and capable of working in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications: The successful candidate must have a B.S.  The following disciplines are preferred: biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, biology, physics, chemistry, or a related field.  Experience with Matlab, LabView, or other coding language is preferred but not required.  The candidate must be able to lift up to 30lbs and push a cart on wheels throughout the hospital.  The ideal candidate will be willing to commit to at least two years in the position.

Interested candidates should apply here. Further, feel free to reach out to express interest in the position via email to Dr. Erin Buckley (erin.buckley@nullemory.edu) with “Clinical Research Technician” in the subject.