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Industry Intelligence: Changing Perspectives

Researchers from the Institute of Biomedical Technology at ETH Zürich and the University of Zürich have developed a new detection technique that could improve patient comfort during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The scientists predict that the development will enable the diameter of MRI scanning tubes to be expanded approximately by 15–20 centimeters. “[That] really is a lot in terms of patient comfort,” says Klaas Prüssmann of the University of Zürich, who recently co-published a paper on the research. Currently, for MRI scans to offer high resolution, the radio-frequency coils that deliver magnetic waves need to be located close to the patient’s skin. As a result, many patients suffer from claustrophobia while in the MRI scanning tube.

The breakthrough was made possible by exciting nuclear magnetic resonance imaging in the human body by propagating electromagnetic waves with an antenna. “The fact that MRI signals can be received with an antenna and across such large distances is remarkable; it’s a paradigm shift,” Prüssmann says. The modified imaging method also could provide more-uniform coverage of large body parts and improved resolution. Initial imaging results from a volunteer’s lower leg and foot demonstrate that the imaging technique offers more-extensive coverage than conventional detectors.

Nevertheless, it may be several years before MRI systems based on the novel technique reach the market. “Unfortunately, the cost of the strong magnets is still substantial and the clinical benefits of very high fields first need to be proven in extensive studies,” Prüssmann says.

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