For the tiniest patients, new tech brings clearer MRI images
Some of medicine's smallest patients can present its biggest imaging challenges. An infant's heart can be as small as a walnut, beating rapidly inside a body that will change dramatically as the child grows. Yet much of the equipment used in MRI comes in standard sizes better suited to adult bodies, and customized versions can cost thousands of dollars and take months or even years to manufacture.
Infants and children often face challenges when undergoing MRI scans, as their tiny bodies require specialized equipment that is not readily available. Standard MRI coils, designed for adult patients, may not fit properly around the small, rapidly changing anatomy of young patients, leading to suboptimal image quality. Researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) have developed a novel solution: flexible, 3D-printed MRI coils that can be customized to individual patients and manufactured in less than 10 minutes for approximately $30.
These innovative coils, made from conductive silver ink on stretchable thermoplastic elastomer, can conform to the unique contours of a patient's body, resulting in about four times greater image contrast compared to standard coils. By making MRI equipment faster and more affordable to produce, the USC team aims to improve imaging outcomes for patients who traditionally have had limited options, particularly infants and children.
The project is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together engineers, imaging specialists, and clinicians to tackle complex challenges and accelerate scientific discovery.
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