Improving MRI technology for easier access in doctor's offices
Official title: Advancing MRI with an open inhomogeneous B0 magnet
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11125923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of MRI machine that can fit right into a doctor's office, making it easier for patients to get scans without having to go to a hospital, and it aims to provide clear images while being quiet and comfortable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $526,692 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB035268-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125923 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients requiring MRI scans for various conditions, including acute and chronic diseases, who would benefit from a more accessible imaging option.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require MRI imaging or those with conditions that necessitate traditional high-field MRI may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an innovative open MRI system that can be integrated into a doctor's office exam table, making MRI scans as accessible as ultrasound. The new low-field MRI is designed to be silent and capable of producing high-quality images while patients lie flat or stand for specific imaging needs. By utilizing advanced techniques in MR imaging, including non-linear gradients and novel RF coil designs, the project aims to enhance image quality and resolution. The goal is to make MRI more widely available, reducing the need for hospital visits and improving patient convenience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase access to high-quality MRI scans for patients in outpatient settings.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing compact MRI systems, but this approach is innovative and aims to enhance accessibility in outpatient settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Constable, R Todd — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Constable, R Todd
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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.