MRIs Soon To Be Less Claustrophic

Scientists from University of Zurich have come up with new MRI design that will not only improve scanning but also be less claustrophic.

A new MRI design, developed by University of Zurich scientists, intends to improve scanning and also make the MRI procedure less claustrophic.

They described a simple change to MRI machines that may provide better coverage at higher powers while also leaving more room for the patient.

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Traditional MRI scans require patients to be placed closer to the radio frequency coils, which deliver the magnetic waves, in the scanning tube that also results in a claustrophobic feel for patients.

In the new study, David Brunner, a physicist at the University of Zurich, have replaced the coils with an antenna placed up to 9.8 feet (3 meters) away from a patient, thus making more room.

The antenna transmits and receives the radio frequency waves, which are focused by a special conductive lining inside the MRI scanning tube.

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The extra room "will usually be on the order of 15-20 centimetres [6-8 inches] in diameter, which really is a lot in terms of patient comfort," National Geographic quoted study co-author Klaas Pruessmann, as saying.

Moreover, the 'travelling waves' transmitted by the antenna would help more uniform coverage of large body parts and gain deeper insights.

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Pruessmann said that the technology "is currently being explored in centres around the world, including many in the U.S., and early pre-clinical applications look very promising."

Peter Bornert, principal scientist at Philips Research Europe in Hamburg, Germany, called the new approach "very promising from a scientific point of view."

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