Main article: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Principle of operation
The principle of operation MRI is based on the phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance. The apparatus creates a powerful permanent magnetic field that equalizes the proper magnetic moments of hydrogen atoms in the body. The scanner then sends a radio frequency pulse, "exciting" and deflecting these protons. After the pulse is turned off, the protons return to their original state, releasing energy. It is this energy that is captured by the sensitive coils of the tomograph. Key point: the rate of proton return depends on the type of tissue (fat, water, tumor). A complex computer system analyzes the received signals and converts them into detailed layer-by-layer images of the internal structures of the body. To create slices in different planes, the device uses additional gradient magnets that slightly change the main field.
The main components of the MRI scanner are:
- The magnet is the most important component. It creates a strong constant magnetic field (for example, 1.5 or 3 Tesla), which builds protons (hydrogen nuclei) in the patient's body in one direction. The patient on the table is placed inside the scanner. His body becomes part of the system as billions of his protons react to the magnetic field.
- A table on which the patient is placed inside the scanner. His body becomes part of the system as billions of his protons react to the magnetic field.
- Radio frequency coils have a dual role. First, they send an accurate radio frequency pulse that "excites" the arrayed protons, causing them to deflect. The same coils then pick up the radio signal that the protons emit, returning to their original state.
- Gradient coils located inside the main magnet create auxiliary magnetic fields that slightly distort the main field. This allows you to selectively excite protons only in a certain thin "layer" of the body and accurately determine where the signal came from. It is they who "cut" the image into sections and create a characteristic loud knock during work.
Some tomographs are equipped with additional gradient or radio frequency coils for specialized research. The use of such coils achieves high spatial resolution, good contrast and optimal signal-to-noise ratio. For example, there is a separate coil for intrarectal examination of the prostate gland, a coil for examination of the heart. In fact, even the MRI coil of the mammary glands is specialized and not represented in every center.
The MR tomograph is equipped with a freestanding powerful computer - a doctor's workstation. In addition to standard programs for working with research results, special software can be installed on it, which, for example, can minimize the consequences of image artifacts during scanning.
Classification
The main criterion for the classification of magnetic resonance tomographs is the strength of the magnetic field. Thus, MR tomographs are divided into high-floor (from 1.5 T) and low-floor (below 1.5 T). At the same time, most of the tomographs presented on the Russian market by the beginning of 2026 are half-word.
In low-floor tomographs (0.1-0.9 T), the image quality obtained from the study is much worse, but these tomographs are quite often used for MRI in patients with claustrophobia - such devices are open and do not have a closed contour. Previously, tomographs were a tube that was closed on three sides, it could be very uncomfortable for patients, especially with fear of a closed space. By 2026, most tomographs are a ring, which helps reduce the manifestations of claustrophobia, since there is open space on both sides of the tomograph.
Also on the medical market are tomographs with a capacity of 3 T, they are already used for more specialized research. There are also more high-floor tomographs (up to 7 T), but they are usually used for scientific purposes, since such devices are many times more expensive than conventional ones, more difficult to maintain and have a number of significant drawbacks for their use in routine diagnostics, such as much longer study time and high sensitivity to interference (more artifacts appear on the image).
Various types of specialized MRI scanners can also be distinguished:
- MRI for limbs: Compact machines for scanning only the arm, leg or knee. Often low-floor, can stand in the doctor's office.
- Intraoperative MRIs: Installed in the operating room, have a movable design for control during neurosurgical operations.
- Portable/bed MRIs: Low-floor compact systems that can be brought to a patient's bed in intensive care (for example, for brain examination).
Protocols
In addition to the tomograph itself, the used MR diagnostic protocols play an important role, Oleg Kalinichenko, manager of the Ami MRI center, candidate of medical sciences, told Zdrav.Expert. So, if a medical organization wants to conduct research using a high-quality protocol, this can go to the detriment of the speed of the study. It is possible to adjust the tomograph so that it completes the studies faster and it is possible to conduct more studies per working shift, but the quality of such scans and their diagnostic significance will be noticeably lower. A separate specialist, the applicator, is engaged in setting up and optimizing protocols for each tomograph. It helps set up MRI programs to get images in the best possible quality in the optimal time, and instructs medical staff to work with a specific tomograph.
Chronicle
2025: The world's first MRI scanner with a 3 T magnetic field is released, which does not need to be refueled with helium. It uses AI that triples the speed of scans
On November 30, 2025, Philips introduced the world's first 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, which does not require refueling with helium. The device called BlueSeal Horizon can be used for accurate diagnosis of diseases of the brain and spinal cord, vascular pathologies, as well as for imaging of joints, heart and abdominal organs. Read more here.
2024
MEPhI has created a complex for checking the accuracy of magnetic resonance tomographs
On November 25, 2024 MEPHI , they announced the creation of a complex to check the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging -. PAC MRI More. here
An MRI scanner has been released that works without helium. It uses AI to diagnose prostate cancer
At the end of November 2024, Philips introduced the next generation BlueSeal 1,5T wide-aperture magnetic resonance imaging device, which should improve diagnostic accuracy and increase the availability of care. Read more here.
A cheap MRI scanner has been developed that does not need a special office. Price
In early May 2024, researchers from the University of Hong Kong announced the development of a relatively inexpensive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, which does not require a special room to work. The proposed solution in the future can make MRI scans much more accessible and convenient. Read more here.
The first MRI scanner is presented, which needs only 0.7 liters of helium, and not 1500 as others
On February 28, 2024, Siemens Healthineers announced the Magnetom Flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, which uses virtually no helium. Its volume is only 0.7 liters against approximately 1500 liters for traditional installations of a comparable class. Read more here.
2023
A full-body MRI scanner has been released to detect cancer early. One procedure costs $2,500
In early November 2023, it became known that the California startup Prenuvo, which offers magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the whole body, received thousands of applications for its service. The procedure, which is said to provide very high diagnostic accuracy, costs $2,500. Read more here.
The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation forbade hospitals to do MRI without referral
The Supreme Court (Supreme Court) of Russia forbade citizens to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without the consent of a doctor. The relevant court decision became known in early October 2023.
According to the Agency for Legal and Judicial Information (RAPSI), a Russian who applied to the highest court suffers from back pain. But in the clinic indicated in the direction of the attending physician, it was necessary to wait for the study. He went to a private clinic to make it faster. But since there was another medical organization in the direction, he had to pay for a doctor's appointment again in order to get a referral for diagnosis and, finally, an MRI scan.
The patient filed an administrative lawsuit with the Supreme Court, in which he challenged paragraph 14 of the rules for conducting X-ray examinations, approved by order of the Ministry of Health of Russia dated 09.06.2020 No. 560n, because this rule "prevents competition in the field of paid medicine, breeds red tape and does not give him the right to choose."
 | For an unknown reason, it is impossible to provide paid medical services without specifying the name of the clinic. We come to the conclusion that the patient irrationally uses his time to coordinate the medical institution with the attending physician. Treatment is eventually delayed. This paragraph of the rules "migrated" from free medicine, but my principal believes that it is wrong to extend them to paid medicine, - quotes the representative of the plaintiff Maria Sergeyeva RAPSI. |  |
As the representative of the Ministry of Health Alexander Shustov noted, the new rules do not restrict the freedom of patients when choosing a place for MRI. Shustov recalled that MRI has a number of contraindications and can harm health.
| | In practice at the federal level, there are a lot of cases when ordinary "self-examinations" harm the patient's health, and there are many such cases, "he explained.[1] | |
New MRI machine creates images with 64 million times greater clarity
On April 17, 2023, American researchers at Duke University (DU) announced the development of a new technology for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can increase the clarity of brain images by millions of times compared to conventional installations. Read more here.
Entered the market in the world's first MRI machine, scanning the whole body in 30 minutes
On June 1, 2023, American startup Ezra specializing in creating solutions AI for the sphere, health care he announced the development of Ezra Flash technology for the implementation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the whole body in 30 minutes. More. here
Cheap compact brain MRI machine unveiled
On May 31, 2023, the University of Minnesota (UMN) and Victoria University of Wellington announced the development of a fundamentally new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. We are talking about a relatively compact installation, which, if necessary, can be easily transported. Read more here.
2022
Philips has released an MRI scanner with an AI system. It will become easier for oncologists to find dangerous tumors
At the end of October 2022 Philips , she announced the launch MRCAT of artificial intelligence-enabled radiotherapy. The device allows using MRI as the main imaging method without the need for use by oncologists. computed tomography More. here
MRI machine created that examines twice as fast as others
On September 22, 2022, the University of East Anglia (UEA) introduced the Kat-ARC system, which allows diagnosing patients with heart failure twice as quickly. The technology uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create detailed 4D images of the heart. But unlike standard MRI, which can take up to 20 minutes or more, when using a new development, MRI scans take no more than eight minutes, the developers say. Read more here.
2021
A new MRI device has been released, which is several times smaller and cheaper than those used now
In mid-December 2021, the University of Hong Kong released a more compact and affordable magnetic resonance imaging system compared to other solutions on the market. The novelty uses a much smaller magnetic field and does not require shielding, but at the same time is able to diagnose brain diseases in patients. The new device has already begun to be used in clinical practice in one of the clinics in Hong Kong. Read more here.
MRI system released to assess muscle status
On December 7, 2021, the Swedish company Amra Medical announced the launch of the Amra Mass Scan system, designed to assess the state of muscles through magnetic resonance imaging. Read more here.
MRI scanner remote monitoring and control system is being tested in Moscow
Specialists of the Scientific and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Department of Health and the Morozov Children's City Clinical Hospital initiated a pilot project for remote communication with an MR tomograph, during which the first patient scan session was conducted online with remote support. Read more here.
Announcement of the world's smallest MRI scanner
In mid-July 2021, Huami, best known for the Amazfit smartwatch brand, unveiled the world's new, smallest MRI scanner. According to Huami developers, this device will be the world's first portable MRI scanner. Read more here.
2020: Doctors start using portable MRI brain scanner
In mid-September 2020, doctors began using a portable MRI brain scanner developed by Hyperfine. The hospital-based system identifies specific brain lesions in 29 of 30 patients with symptoms of stroke and other neurological disorders admitted to the Yale New Haven Hospital intensive care unit. Read more here.
2017: Transforming MRI machines for children's hospitals in the US
In November 2017, it was reported that industrial designer Doug Dietz, together with his colleagues from GE Healthcare, implemented a project to comprehensively transform devices for CT, MRI and PET scans specifically for 27 children's hospitals in the United States. Through the efforts of GE Healthcare workers, the devices were stylized as spaceships, pirate islands and other favorite places for babies. According to GE Healthcare estimates, the implementation of this idea cost the company about $50 thousand.[2]
The transformation affected not only the appearance of the structures, but also the creation of the correct atmosphere. For example, before the PET scan, which takes 45 minutes, experts tell the child a mini-story that he will get on a spacecraft whose engines work very loudly. These introductory words and the favorable appearance of the apparatus significantly soothe children.
| | We used children's imagination to our advantage, "said Kathleen Kapsin, director of radiology at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. - Instead of going for CT scans, you go to pirate island. We even have a monkey on a swing to play with. | |
GE Healthcare has developed separate hospital-specific topics. For example, for a children's clinic in San Francisco, designers designed a cable car near the device. And in other medical centers, children are trying to prepare for scanning in advance, giving them thematic coloring the day before the start of the procedure.
Notes
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