Faster, clearer MRI scans for children
Rapid and Robust Pediatric MRI
This project improves MRI scans so children can get quicker, clearer imaging with less need for anesthesia or X-rays.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323609 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a parent's viewpoint, the team is building special pediatric MRI equipment and smarter software so scans take much less time and move-free images are clearer. They combine high‑sensitivity receiver coils, faster scan patterns, motion‑correction algorithms, compressed sensing, and deep‑learning image reconstruction to shorten exams. These methods grew out of an earlier successful program and are already being introduced into clinical use and commercial products. The aim is to reduce anesthesia exposure and make MRI a safer, more usable option for children who need body imaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children (especially ages 0–11) who need abdominal or body MRI but face long scan times, motion-related image blur, or risks from anesthesia or CT radiation.
Not a fit: Patients with MRI-incompatible implants, those who specifically need CT for bone detail, or adults not requiring pediatric-specific scanning hardware may not benefit from these pediatric-focused advances.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, children could receive faster, higher-quality MRI exams with less anesthesia and lower reliance on CT scans that use ionizing radiation.
How similar studies have performed: Yes — this is a successor to a prior successful project whose technologies have already reduced anesthesia in practice and been licensed to industry.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vasanawala, Shreyas S — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Vasanawala, Shreyas S
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.