The I-STAR Lab is a collaborative research endeavor based in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Research combines engineering, physics, and clinical collaboration in the development of advanced imaging technologies for diagnostic and image-guided procedures. Key technologies include 3D and spectral x-ray imaging, image reconstruction and registration, and preclinical imaging platforms. A collaborative partnership of technical and clinical expertise bridges conventional gaps between the laboratory and translation to clinical practice.

Areas of research include development and application of advanced medical imaging systems with applications in diagnostic and interventional procedures. Topics include:

Imaging Physics: Mathematical models of imaging performance in advanced spectral and tomographic modalities.
3D Image Reconstruction: Advanced statistical / iterative 3D reconstruction techniques.
Novel Imaging Systems: Preclinical prototypes translated from the laboratory to first application (e.g., cone-beam CT).
Image-Guided Interventions: High-precision interventional guidance systems (e.g., for surgery and radiation therapy).
Diagnostic Imaging: New technologies and techniques for radiology (e.g., thoracic and musculoskeletal imaging).

I-STAR research is clinically driven, with a bench-to-bedside approach to technology development fueled by bedside-to-bench recognition of new clinical challenges and applications.

Welcome, Adam! The I-STAR Lab welcomes Dr. Adam Wang to the team! (people)

Imaging in Translation. Cone-beam CT scanner dedicated to musculoskeletal extremity imaging enters clinical use. (news)

SPIE 2012: Eleven presentations from the I-STAR Lab in imaging physics and image-guided surgery (news, papers, presentations, and photos).

The TREK software architecture for image-guided surgery (news) (papers)

Med Phys paper earns Editor's Pick: The influence of antiscatter grids in C-arm cone-beam CT (papers)

Three talks at RSNA 2011: (presentations) and pix (picasa)

A comprehensive image noise model for cone-beam CT - MedPhys paper. (news + pdf)

Med. Phys. Journal Double-Feature: A pair of I-STAR papers earn "Editor's Pick." (news + pdfs)

Paper at the Fully 3D shows 3D reconstruction method around medical implants (news)

At the core of I-STAR is the partnership of technical and clinical experts driving the identification of new clinical challenges, development of novel technologies, and acceleration to clinical use. Key collaborators include faculty in:
Biomedical Engineering: Jeff Siewerdsen and Web Stayman
Computer Science: Russ Taylor and Greg Hager
Electrical and Computer Engineering: Jerry Prince and Junghoon Lee
Radiology: John Carrino, Katsuyuki (Ken) Taguchi,, and Mahadevappa Mahesh
Orthopaedic Surgery: Jay Khanna and Simon Mears
Otolaryngology and Neurosurgery: Doug Reh, Gary Gallia, and Jeremy Richmon
Thoracic Surgery: Marc Sussman
and an expanding constellation of I-STARs.