Portable MRI technology for bedside brain imaging
Stretchable Coils for Low-Field, Portable MRI
This study is working on making portable MRI machines that can be brought right to patients in hospitals or places with fewer resources, using special technology to improve the images and help doctors make better diagnoses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10906177 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing portable Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners that can be easily transported to patients in critical care and low-resource settings. The project aims to enhance the sensitivity of low-field MRI by using innovative stretchable receiver coils that adapt to individual patients, improving image quality and diagnostic accuracy. By utilizing flexible litz wire in the design, the researchers hope to overcome the limitations of low signal-to-noise ratios typically associated with portable MRI systems. This approach could make MRI more accessible and effective in various clinical environments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults in critical care or low-resource environments who require brain imaging.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require MRI imaging or those in high-resource settings may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of brain imaging in critical care settings, leading to better diagnosis and treatment for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing MRI technology, but this specific approach using stretchable coils is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooley, Clarissa Zimmerman — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Cooley, Clarissa Zimmerman
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.