Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2005, Biomedical Engineering

The work presented herein describes the investigation in several key areas related to imaging and image-guided therapy. Each area is of interest for advancing the state of the art and development of new techniques in image-guided therapy. First, the rationale and approaches for microfabrication of microparticles is advanced. A technique for microfabrication of biodegradable mircorparticles of tailorable geometry and monodisperse size is described as well as efforts and the design of an experimental set-up to optimize production. The applications of such microparticles as drug delivery vehicles or as agents for embolization (or both as in chemoembolization) make them a promising technology in image-guided therapy. A second related focus of study is presented in the area of quantitative diagnostics. Combining imaging techniques and analysis algorithms can both identify and quantify disease states. Precise determination the extent of disease can be used to gage response to therapy, i.e. provide outcome measures to develop new therapies, including those advanced by image-guidance. A novel imaging method for identification of disease states of the major airways and lungs in pediatric populations is presented. Lastly, an animal model suitable for the testing of therapies directed against lymphatic malformations and lymphangiogenesis is presented. This method of site-specific induction of de novo lymphatic malformations (LMs) expressing specific growth factor receptors will allow investigations in the function and formation of lymphatic vessels. Macrocystic LMs observed in this model are shown to be large enough to target using current image-guided approaches (sclerotherapy) to optimize treatment capabilities. Microcystic LMs are also induced in this model, which might allow development of therapy against this variant. The LMs cysts have promise as bioreactors to test particle-based therapies directed against lymphatic endothelium. Each of the presented areas has bearing f (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Derek Hansford (Advisor) Subjects: