HKU: MRI scanner

2024: Product Announcement

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.

MRI scanners play an important role in the modern one, to medicine since they allow you to diagnose a wide range of diseases, including strokes, malignant, formations spinal injuries, etc. However, the cost of such devices can be in the millions. dollars In addition, a separate room with protection against external electromagnetic interference is required for their operation. For these reasons, MRI scanners have extremely low penetration in developing countries. So, in Africa, as of 2024, there is less than one MRI apparatus per million people, while in the United States and these Japan figures are 40 and 55 per million, respectively.

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Science

In order to solve existing problems, specialists from the University of Hong Kong have proposed a simplified MRI design. An apparatus designed to scan the whole body has a power of only 0.05 tesla, while for conventional systems this value is on average 1.5 tesla. To compensate for the reduced image detail and a higher level of interference (due to the lack of a special room), special algorithms based on artificial intelligence are involved. The system has a power consumption of 1800 W, and therefore can receive power from a regular outlet.

To reduce the cost, affordable components and ready-made components were used. It is argued that after the organization of serial production, the cost of a tomograph with the proposed design will be at the level of $22 thousand.^[1]

2021: MRI machine announced

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.

MRI devices can cost more than $1 million at first, and then from $10 thousand per month for operation and maintenance. The devices can consume a lot of power and require bulky magnetic and radio frequency shielding. All of this makes MRI technology a no-go in many places, especially in developing countries, not to mention underdeveloped ones.

A new MRI device has been released, which is several times smaller and cheaper than those used now

A smaller, cheaper and more portable MRI machine could greatly expand the application of this technology, and that is what is detailed in a new study by a team from the University of Hong Kong. MRI usually uses magnetic fields with a intensity of up to 3 tesla (T), but the new device works using an ultra-low field with a intensity of only 0.055 T. Thanks to the smaller magnetic field, the device eliminates the need to use a magnetic shielding cell in traditional MRI devices. Radio frequency shielding is usually necessary to prevent external electromagnetic signals from affecting magnets, but for the new device, the team developed deep learning algorithms to eliminate these interferences. The absence of the need for both types of shielding helps to maintain the compactness of the new device.

Simplicity and smaller size also reduce cost and nutritional requirements. The team of scientists claims that the device can work from a standard AC outlet, and its cost is estimated at less than $20 thousand. The area of ​ ​ the device is about 2 square meters. m., and weight 750 kg. Researchers say that further optimization could reduce the mass of the device to 500 kg. The team tested the device on 25 patients, including 13 with brain tumors, eight with ischemic stroke and four with intracerebral hemorrhage. The images were not as clear as when scanned with an MRI 3-T, but most of the key pathologies were still identified in all patients.

There is still much work to be done on improving ultra-low field MRI machines before they can be used in clinical practice. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration has already approved a similar Hyperfine system with a slightly higher power of 0.064 T.^[2]

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