Automatic MRI Quantification of Structural Brain Abnormalities

This invention enables the automatic detection of brain areas that are abnormally small or large. The diagnosis of many neurological diseases rely on the visual detection of areas in the brain that are abnormally small. With this technique, one may be able to map the locations in the brain where there is a difference in brain tissue compared to the normal population. The quantification through the use of Z-scores enables the observer to gauge how abnormal this area is compared to a standard. While this technique does not specifically diagnoses a disease, it may help the clinical judgement of MRI images.

The Automated Prototyping of Nasoalveolar Molding Appliance Used in Restorative Dentistry and Treatment of Cleft Palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate, which occur in one in 600-800 births, are variations of a type of clefting congenital deformity caused by abnormal facial development during gestation. A cleft is a sub-division in the body's natural structure, regularly formed before birth. A cleft palate can be successfully treated with surgery soon after birth, however the current treatments include numerous surgeries as the patient grows. 

This novel invention uses computer software to fabricate a molding appliance for cleft palate babies.  It is expected that this invention will save time, reduce the number of surgeries and potentially allow for this operation to be performed in remote locations.

Method of Prediction of Maxillary and Mandibular Jaw Growth

Many craniofacial abnormalities result in loss of both primary (baby) and permanent teeth.  As a consequence of these injuries, many of these children mature without teeth, resulting in self-esteem issues and lacking the ability to chew food.  Researchers at MUSC had developed a novel method to predict child jaw growth, allowing for the placement of dental implants.

Currently, children are fitted with an implant, which may result in the wrong place when the child is finished growing.  Because of this change in jaw structure, often the implant must be removed and bone grafted into the correct position.  This novel method would allow for a more accurate prediction in the jaw growth, allowing the implants to be placed in a more accurate position; thus alleviating the need for future surgeries and recreation of a second implant.

eHealth/telehomehealth care program in cancer care

This is a model of internet-provided health information, counseling, and skilled home nursing care specific for patients with cancer and their care givers. Additional special groups can participate in chat rooms and protected internet environments. Specifically, nurse practitioners with prescriptive authority monitor internet and telephone communications with enrolled patients and their care givers. Services provided include health information

Surface Anatomy CD

The surface anatomy CD was created to support the surface anatomy laboratory component of our anatomy course. When the CD is read in conjunction with the human anatomy WebCT homepage, the student is able to prepare for the surface anatomy laboratory by visualizing short audio-videos using RealPlayer software. These full audio-videos come in complement of definitions and digital pictures found under the surface anatomy icon of the WebCT site.

E-Alert System Software

E-Alert System is designed to send a secure communication within a large networked enterprise.  Messages can be delivered via a mobile device, or standard email, including cell phones, Blackberries, i-Phones, or any other device that accepts SMS messages.

In the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings, this system is invaluable to the safety and security of staff.

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