Vevo F2 Imaging System

Project Summary/Abstract:
This application proposes support for the purchase of a FUJIFILM VisualSonics Vevo F2 ultrasound system for
the Tufts Medical Center Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, a leading basic and translational research
group. The Vevo F2 is the preeminent preclinical imaging system for cardiovascular investigation. The current
application is comprised of 11 cardiovascular investigators including physician scientists and PhD scientists,
supported by a combined 11 NIH-funded awards. Projects which would benefit from the advanced Vevo F2
features encompass investigation of arterial structure and function in vascular disease, cardiac remodeling and
metabolic heart disease, myocardial infarction, bioengineering, and genetic forms of cardiomyopathy. These
projects investigate disease models in species ranging from small rodents (mice and rats) to large animals (dogs
and swine). Since the Vevo F2 supports a range of imaging frequencies, this will allow, for the first time, using a
single machine to image all of preclinical animal models of our group. This application details the multiple
innovative features of the Vevo F2 which will impact these projects, including: improvements in image resolution
and sensitivity; novel imaging modes such as 4D imaging; multi-fold higher speed of image acquisition,
processing, and analysis; and advances in analysis tools. These and other features of the Vevo F2 detailed in
the application will ensure that the users’ ongoing studies are performed at the highest technical level, and will
further enable new routes of investigation of findings which are not feasible with our current imaging systems.
The application also describes a comprehensive administration plan for utilizing the Vevo F2, which draws on
extensive experience and expertise of the MCRI Mouse Physiology Core. In summary, acquisition of a Vevo F2
would have a critical impact on both the specific NIH-funded studies and the broader scientific mission of the
MCRI, allowing us to continue our innovative cardiovascular science at the highest level.

Grant Number: 1S10OD040294-01
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Robert Blanton