Federal Grant Award Summary

Northeastern University received a $219,818 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) under the Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health program (CFDA 93.286), with performance in Boston, Massachusetts from April 27, 2026 through January 31, 2029. The project focuses on developing a fully integrated electro-optic sensor system designed to enable real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided interventions. This technology addresses a critical clinical need by creating a safer, more effective alternative to current X-ray fluoroscopy-based image guidance systems that expose patients to ionizing radiation and provide limited soft tissue contrast.

The core deliverable involves engineering an interventional device—such as a catheter or needle—that achieves safe and effective visibility under MRI without the radiofrequency (RF)-induced heating hazards that have limited clinical adoption of existing active tracking devices. By eliminating long conductive transmission lines and leveraging electro-optic sensing mechanisms, the technology is intended to provide superior signal-to-noise ratios while maintaining patient safety at high magnetic field strengths (3 Tesla and above). The development of this clinical-grade device would substantially advance minimally invasive, image-guided procedures for treating cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other major medical conditions while reducing procedural risks, recovery times, and radiation exposure.