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Ephys & fMRI

Record real-time spikes and LFPs during fMRI scans

Description

Specs & Resources

Publications

Combining electrophysiology with functional MRI provides a more intricate picture of brain activity by correlating the BOLD signal with neural responses. TDT has engineered a complete solution for concurrent recordings during fMRI imaging [doi.org/10.7554]:

  • Large Input Range: Our amplifiers have a +/-500 mV input range to capture scanner artifacts without saturating
  • High Dynamic Range: 124 dB dynamic range preserves neural signal fidelity alongside massive scanner artifacts
  • Non-Ferrous Headstages: 16 and 32 channel MRI-compatible headstages minimize imaging artifacts
  • Real-Time Artifact Rejection: The MRI Recording Processor gizmo in Synapse provides real-time visualization of spikes and LFPs during scans
  • DC-Coupled Amplification: Minimizes signal distortion for better artifact removal

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TDT fMRI User Guide

fMRI Webinar

Subject Interface Hardware Specs

Cao … Liu, et al “SPARC: Brain‐stomach Synchrony Observed with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Electrogastrogram in Rats”. FASEB Apr, 2020. doi: 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.03197

Cruttenden … Chen, et al “Towards Completely Sampled Extracellular Neural Recordings during fMRI”. IEEE Trans Med Imaging Feb, 2022.  doi: 10.1109/TMI.2022.3149002

 

Concurrent Ephys and MRI imaging system

TDT provides a simple connection between the animal in the scanner and our recording system. Our MRI-compatible headstages connect to an RF filter on the back of the PZ amplifier to minimize artifacts from electromagnetic noise and ferrous components.

The PZ5 does the heavy lifting with its large input range and excellent signal-to-noise for recording ephys. Last but not least, the real-time RZ processor provides the perfect solution for real-time visualization of your neural signals.

Capture Scanner Artifact without Saturation

PZ5 Amplifier

The core of TDT’s solution is the PZ5 amplifier. This analog amplifier has a large input range (500 mVolts) and excellent signal resolution (<250 nanoVolts). This ensures perfect signal fidelity during the MRI scan with no signal saturation.

Combined with TDT’s real-time signal processor (RZ5D or RZ2), the PZ5 is an optimal solution for concurrent ephys and fMRI.

NON-FERROUS HARDWARE

16 and 32 ch MRI-compatible headstages

The TDT MRI-compatible headstages are non-ferrous to minimize electromagnetic  interference in the scanner. The small form factor of our 16 and 32 channel Omnetics-based headstages fit easily into small bore MRIs for rodents and marmosets; and our extra-long cables ensure that only the headstage is in the MRI room.

 

MRI Kit

The MRI kit contains RF filters, cable extenders and test resistors that augment our MRI-compatible headstages. Includes:

  • RF filters that minimize EMF artifacts on your fMRI scans
  • Cable extenders that maintain proper distance between the scanner and amplifier without reduced signal quality
  • Test resistors for measuring electrical noise in the MRI

 

MRI compatible Non-ferrous HeadstageHeadstages for Primate and Rodent work

 

MRI Compatibility Kit (right)

 

Real-time MRI artifact rejection

This Gizmo provides users with real-time artifact removal of the MRI scan for visualization of neural activity, such as LFPs and spiking activity. Use the Gizmo to:

  • Control the artifact threshold and size of the artifact window
  • Set a threshold for artifact removal
  • Save the raw data for offline analysis and artifact subtraction

MRI Recording Processor Gizmo

Webinar

Integrating Ephys and fMRI

Learn about recent advances in tools for concurrent electrophysiology with fMRI. Featuring guest researchers:

  • Jiayue (Cherry) Cao – PhD student | PI: Dr. Zhongming Liu | University of Michigan
  • Yuncong Ma – PhD student | PI: Dr. Nanyin Zhang | Penn State

Play Webinar