Startup OEM expands pediatric use cases for portable MRI
Portable MRI maker Hyperfine is touting a new capability in its Swoop scanner that may appeal to pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons as well as neuroradiologists.
Presenting the enhancement last week at HA Connect, the annual conference of the Hydrocephalus Association, the company said the software refinement allows brain scans in under three minutes.
For children with hydrocephalus, a fast MR exam can avoid sedation as well as radiation, the latter being a concern with kids who have traditionally received serial CT to track the condition over time, Hyperfine points out in a news release.
The company says hydrocephalus, aka “water on the brain,” lands more than 40,000 people in inpatient hospital beds each year.
Along with a fast T2 sequence supported by the software enhancement for visualizing brain ventricles, a recent FDA clearance also covers a standard T1 sequence.
Hyperfine CMO Khan Siddiqui, MD, says the company, founded in 2014, designed the Swoop system to bring low-field MRI to the point of care.
“This unique ability allows young patients to be imaged sooner, avoid harmful ionizing radiation, stay close to their caregivers, and eliminates the intimidating experience of transport and lengthy wait times often associated with traditional MR imaging,” Siddiqui adds.
News release here.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.