Portable MRI technology is a novel, emerging field that can be used to complement the conventional MRI scanner. Currently, the latter technology is very costly, with the average price of a million or more dollars for a 1.5T MRI scanner. Aside from the hefty price tag, the conventional MRI scanner functions with high magnetic field strength, which means it must be placed away from certain equipment, as well as any medical personnel for safety. The superconducting material used in the MRI scanner to create a high magnetic field strength then requires a cryogen such as liquid helium to keep the material at perpetual cool temperature. Lastly, MRI scanners are stationary and typically weigh thousands of pounds requiring infrastructural changes to house and maintain it, further adding to the list of conditions necessary for operation.
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The portable MRI scanner possesses many qualities that are different from the conventional MRI scanner. In comparison to the current MRI product, portable MRI technology is a more affordable option, making it easier for facilities to purchase. When it comes to its structure, it is designed to be low-field strength which enables anyone or any equipment to be near the scanner without concern for interference such as metal tools, as well as the lack of need for a cooling system for daily operation. However, the most important quality of the portable MRI technology is its point-of-care (POC) aspect which is its ability to deliver care straight from the patient’s bedside. Due to its nonstationary nature, the portable MRI technology is designed for easy transportation and weighs a fraction of the conventional scanner, as it can be wheeled from one patient to another within the same facility, whether it is a hospital, urgent care, or skilled nursing and rehabilitation to deliver neuroimaging care. This will enable the medical staff to scan multiple patients during the day and will not require extra personnel and time to transport patients between two facilities which can prevent adverse effects associated with transportation. These qualities when combined can have influence in patient care in many different communities, especially those that might not have access to the conventional MRI scanner and will allow physicians to make timely diagnosis and treatment plans. Over time, this can help lower the time and costs associated with transportation and staff for facilities that rely on nearby hospitals for neuroimaging care.
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At neuro42, our portable MRI scanner is not only portable, but it is also compact and comes with a few additional features. It brings attention to patient comfort, as it is less noisy than the conventional MRI scanner and is less claustrophobic. "The neuro42 team is instrumental in point of care shift by providing a portable FDA cleared MRI for post stroke and post tumor management that is valuable tool to improve the patient care by offering accessibility of neuroimaging" says Abhita Batra, founder of neuro42. The low-field strength feature is also compatible with heart pacers whose strength is within the tesla measurement of the neuro42 portable MRI. At neuro42, we believe that brain health is especially important, and it is something that does not receive enough attention, so we focus on providing neuroimaging care for the post-stroke and brain tumor communities so that they can manage their stroke and have regular check-ups in cases of brain tumor resections. When adopted at urgent cares, skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, clinics and similar facilities, our portable and compact MRI scanner can serve multiple communities and make a difference in patient lives, while assisting the medical staff. With this emerging portable MRI technology, we can look forward to a future where patients and individuals can easily receive the neuroimaging care that they need to live a healthier, longer life.