Translational Research Imaging Center
Overview
Located in the UCLA Center for Health Sciences, the TRIC is a state-of-the-art, preclinical, diagnostic and interventional imaging center. Our team of physicians, scientists, fellows, technologists and veterinary staff offer over 25 years of experience in conducting preclinical studies across the field of medicine.
The TRIC employs advanced imaging technologies to support research and education throughout the UCLA Health campus. Additionally, our experts are available to collaborate with investigators worldwide.
The UCLA TRIC resources are broadly employed to develop and test new medical devices and drug therapies and train physicians on the use of these new technologies.
Leadership
Facilities and Equipment
The TRIC employs the most advanced imaging technologies currently available, such as:
- MRI: Siemens Magnetom® Prisma, a whole-body 3 Tesla (3T) MRI system with a state-of-the-art gradient system, 32-channel RF receiver and full suite of receiver coils
- CT: Siemens Somatom® Definition 64-slice dual-source scanner
- Ultrasound: Philips iU22 ultrasound system for general imaging
- X-ray angiography:
- Siemens Artis zeego angiogram suite with a robotic arm incorporating 3D-rotational and cross-sectional DynaCT capabilities along with a workstation for 3D reconstruction
- Philips Allura Xper FD10 cardiovascular X-ray system
- Vascular simulation capabilities
Facilities include:
- A Visage PACS image library
- Computer workstations capable of creating 3D visualizations from MRI, CT or X-ray images
- Interventional radiology procedure room
- Conference room that includes a space for meetings and/or didactic training
- Adjacent observation and recovery rooms
The Siemens angiography procedure room and conference room are equipped with high-definition video cameras integrated using UCLA’s video conferencing system. This allows TRIC scientists to broadcast, collaborate, teach, learn and share in real-time high-definition video and THX audio.
Services
We specialize in preclinical studies involving approved large-animal research models and human cadavers. Our staff works in conjunction with your product development team to offer customized support to meet your project needs. This includes assistance in selecting the right model for your project and support in developing experimental protocols and reports.
Our facilities and equipment enable preclinical imaging services for neurologic or vascular research models, medical device evaluation and development, and physician-training workshops. These services encompass early-stage feasibility projects through non-GLP safety studies and physician training:
- Product development studies: We support product development teams by performing early prototype evaluations, iterative testing, 2nd generation evaluations, end-user validation and non-GLP preclinical studies.
- Surgical and interventional services: Our skilled professionals can create surgical and interventional models of specialized anatomy in large, approved laboratory animals to test your product, provide valuable feedback on product performance and optimize treatment steps in preparation for human clinical cases.
- Physician training: We can host physician training on your device in approved human cadaver, animal or benchtop models prior to clinical use.
- Clinical products for studies: Our staff can source clinical products required for controls or other aspects of a protocol.
- Histopathology and bioanalytical testing: The TRIC collaborates with industry experts to coordinate the necessary support to assist with your research and training goals.
In addition to imaging services and procedure rooms for device evaluations, we can accommodate simultaneous hands-on training and didactic sessions in accompanying conference rooms. Our staff can support your efforts from protocol development to assisting with catering services. Our goal is to ensure that your research or physician-training sessions run smoothly from beginning to end.