Using infrared thermal imaging to map brain function during awake surgery

High-resolution Infrared Thermal Imaging (ITI) for Simultaneous Functional Mapping of the Entire Craniotomy in Awake Patients

['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AT CHICAGO · NIH-10984473

This study is exploring a new way to see how the brain works during surgery by using special infrared cameras to track temperature changes while patients do tasks, which could help doctors better locate important areas in the brain for people having surgery for gliomas.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AT CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10984473 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel method for mapping brain function during awake neurosurgery using high-resolution infrared thermal imaging. By monitoring changes in brain temperature while patients perform tasks, researchers aim to create detailed functional maps of the brain. This approach seeks to improve upon traditional methods that have lower resolution and can provoke seizures. The study will focus on patients undergoing surgery for gliomas, allowing for safer and more effective localization of critical brain areas.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with gliomas who require awake neurosurgery for tumor removal.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions other than gliomas or those who are not candidates for awake neurosurgery may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced neurological deficits for patients undergoing brain surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data from similar approaches in motor and language mapping has shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel method.

Where this research is happening

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.