Bio

Koray Ertan received his B.Sc. degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Bilkent University, Turkey, where he also completed his Ph.D. under the supervision of Prof. Ergin Atalar. During his doctoral studies, he conducted research at the National Magnetic Resonance Research Center (UMRAM) in Turkey. His dissertation focused on the development of novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies, including gradient array systems aimed at improving diagnostic image quality, reducing specific absorption rate (SAR), and shortening scan times.

In April 2019, he joined Prof. Brian Rutt’s group at Stanford University as a postdoctoral researcher. Shortly after, in June 2019, he was also appointed as a MINDED postdoctoral fellow. As part of the MINDED program, his research involved developing a system to modulate the permeability of the blood-brain barrier using focused radiofrequency heating from ultra-high field MRI transmit coils, with the goal of enhancing nanomedicine-based treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders.

He is currently a Research Scientist in the Radiological Sciences Laboratory at Stanford. His present work focuses on the design of next-generation head gradient coils and the analysis of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) thresholds. He is developing a predictive framework to estimate subject-specific PNS limits using basic demographic data and localizer MRI scans, with the aim of enabling safer and more efficient MRI.

Contact

  • Work
    ertank@stanford.edu
    Department: Rad/Radiological Sciences Laboratory Position: Research Engineer

Additional Info

  • Mail Code: 5488

All Publications

  • Macrophage-Like Cell Density and Distribution in Relation to Vascular Leakage in Diabetes. Ophthalmology science Ozdemir Zeydanli, E., Bisen, J. B., Heisel, C. J., Ertan, K., Lavine, J. A., Fawzi, A. A. 2026; 6 (1): 100955

    Abstract

    To investigate the relationship between macrophage-like cell (MLC) density and vascular leakage in the macula, an indicator of blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown, in diabetic retinopathy (DR), and to understand whether MLCs cluster within areas of vascular leakage.Cross-sectional imaging analysis.A total of 161 eyes from 152 diabetic participants with various stages of DR.Fluorescein angiography (FA) was used to delineate and quantify macular leakage and OCT angiography was used to visualize MLCs using an averaged 3-μm OCT slab above the vitreoretinal interface. In a subgroup of 36 eyes, MLC density maps were overlaid onto FA images to assess the spatial distribution of MLCs relative to leakage zones and their perimeter.Correlation between MLC density and macular leakage, and the spatial distribution of MLCs in relation to leakage zones.A nonlinear relationship was observed between MLC density and macular leakage, captured by a quadratic model (r2 = 0.246, P < 0.001). Macrophage-like cell density increased with leakage, peaking between 50% and 60%, but then declined in eyes with more extensive leakage (>60%). Macrophage-like cells were more likely to cluster near leakage boundaries (P < 0.01), without difference in MLC density inside- versus outside-leakage areas (P = 0.08).The nonlinear relationship between MLC density and macular leakage in DR, along with MLC accumulation around the borders of leakage, suggest a nuanced role for these cells in DR and BRB breakdown. These findings also suggest a complex interplay among different macrophage populations and may reflect changes in MLC function or migration to deeper retinal layers with advancing leakage.Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.xops.2025.100955

    View details for PubMedID 41311419

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC12651521

  • Association of Macrophage-Like Cells Mapped on Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography with Vascular Leakage on Fluorescein Angiography in Diabetes Zeydanli, E., Bisen, J. B., Heisel, C., Ertan, K., Lavine, J. A., Fawzi, A. A. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC. 2025

    View details for Web of Science ID 001558648100047