Safer MRI scans for children with metal or electronic implants
Novel MRI coil technology for safe imaging of children with implants
This project builds a new MRI coil to help children who have metal or electronic implants get fast, high-resolution MRI scans without unsafe heating.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093946 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a parent's perspective, the team will design a special MRI coil that controls the scanner's radiofrequency energy so implanted devices don't heat nearby tissues. Engineers will build and test the coil using computer models and lab phantoms, then adapt it to work on common MRI machines. After bench testing, the technology will be validated with careful safety testing and pilot scans so it can be used for children with implants regardless of where the implant sits in the body. The goal is a multi-platform solution that lets kids receive routine MRI imaging they currently may be excluded from.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children (infants through about 11 years old) who have conductive implants such as pacemakers, neurostimulators, or other metal/electronic devices and need MRI imaging.
Not a fit: Patients without conductive implants or those with implants that remain contraindicated (for example certain ferromagnetic devices) may not benefit from this technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could allow children with conductive implants to safely receive MRI scans that are currently hard or impossible to get, improving diagnosis and care.
How similar studies have performed: Some MRI-safe approaches and labeled MR-conditional implants exist for adults, but pediatric-specific coil technology is relatively new and has not yet been proven in children.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Golestani Rad, Laleh — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Golestani Rad, Laleh
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.