Large Animal Imaging Facility Core

The Large Animal Imaging Facility (LAIF) Core houses state-of-the-art 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners that support translational research activities with large animal models that aim to bring diagnostic, therapeutic, and investigational new drugs and investigational device exemptions from bench to bedside in an efficient and cost-effective manner. This includes advanced MRI-guided interventional and noninvasive in vivo procedures to study neurodegenerative, cardiothoracic, and reproductive diseases, as well as disease-related functional and structural changes.

Applications include anatomical, diffusion, perfusion, spectroscopy, angiography, functional, flow quantification, and susceptibility weighted imaging. The LAIF Core is open to all investigators at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania, as well as academic and commercial external investigators.

In collaboration with the Division of Veterinary Resources team, we encourage investigators to consult on all aspects of scientific, medical, and compliance issues related to research working with large animal models. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval should be received before starting a study.