Eurostars Project MRI Selfscan
Autonomous MRI to facilitate cost-efficient scanning
The goal of MRI Self scan is to research and develop autonomous MRI technology that allows for patient self-scanning. We will reach this breakthrough by developing two key innovations:
- An integrated cryogenically cooled receiver array, which removes the need for coil handling while maintaining signal quality.
- Automated smart scanning software, which checks patient positioning and image quality, chooses a scan protocol, and interfaces with the scanner to manage the whole scanning process.
These innovations are combined into a product which will decrease scanning time and remove the need for a specialized technician, making self-scanning possible for the first time.
The consortium develops an autonomous MRI technology which will help solve a major current and future healthcare challenge: labour shortages and an ageing population mean that healthcare must do more with less people. MRI Selfscan will provide a solution for the magnetic resonance imaging field, where already ~10% too few specialized technicians are available. Our innovative technology can decrease scanning time, automate the workflow, and remove the need for a specialized technician, which will allow patients to scan themselves. This is not only an answer to the labour problem, but it will also greatly reduce scanning (and consequently healthcare) costs.
Within this project Wavetronica brings together experience in research, (multi-transmit) SAR simulations and MRI hardware development with the most recent knowledge on RF safety and simulations. Wavetronica bridges the gap between researchers demanding beyond state-of-the-art MRI and large companies (i.e. GE, Siemens, Philips) that provide clinical MRI systems and provides the hardware including system integration and safety assessments to obtain unique images of patients with an MRI system.
