Portable system for MRI scanning of the head

This technology is a compact, portable, head-only MRI machine that allows unrestricted movement from the shoulders down during brain scanning for improved accessibility in clinical settings.

Unmet Need: Faster, head-only systems for MRI imaging of the brain

MRI imaging of the brain is a powerful tool for research and clinical decision-making. However, current MRI systems rely on large, immobile, and expensive scanners that require the patient to lie completely still. The use of MRI is therefore limited to wealthier institutions and inaccessible to some patients with movement disorders. Furthermore, higher spatial resolution MRI requires longer scan time which is not feasible in many clinical and research applications. A less restrictive, faster scanner could reduce scan times and expand the accessibility of brain MRI scanning for numerous applications.

The Technology: Portable head MRI scanner facilitating freedom of movement during imaging

Leveraging a multi-coil magnet hardware, this technology is an MRI system that requires only the head to be immobilized inside the scanner, freeing up the limbs and trunk for movement. Compared with traditional machines, this technology has smaller size, weight, and power requirements to allow easy transportation and accessibility. Furthermore, this technology improves magnetic field generation to shorten scan time. As such, this technology may facilitate imaging of the brain in a broader range of clinical and research settings.

A prototype for this technology has been created.

Applications:

• Brain imaging of human subjects for research purposes
• Imaging subjects with motor disorders
• Faster and earlier detection of neurological issues in the clinic
• MRI imaging availability outside of a specialized room
• MRI imaging availability at lower-income institutions
• Intraoperative monitoring

Advantages:

• Head-only, with unrestricted movement below the shoulders
• Portable and compact
• Lighter weight
• Less expensive
• Lower power requirements
• Shorter scan time with faster acquisition of data

Lead Inventor:

Christoph Juchem, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Status

Related Publications:

• Theilenberg S, Shang Y, Kobayashi N, Parkinson BJ, Juchem C. “Multi-coil array for combined imaging and B0 shimming in a portable head-only scanner” Proc Intl Soc Mag Reson Med. 2019; 27: 1480.

• Theilenberg S, Shang Y, Tirumala SS, Juchem C. “Development of multi-xoil B0 technology with computer-aided design software” Proc Intl Soc Mag Reson Med. 2018; 26: 4316.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU19284, CU18209

• Licensing Contact: Joan Martinez