Introduction of Neonatal MRI machine

Published on: 28/03/2017

A hospital in Sheffield is using one of only two dedicated, compact neonatal MRI scanners in the world.  The pioneering MRI scanner is available in the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, and has so far scanned about 40 babies from their neonatal unit.

Currently, babies brains are scanned using ultrasound – a technique available as the newborn skull is not yet fussed. However, there are limitations and doctors are not able to acquire a full image of the brain and it’s structures. The MRI technique allows a much more comprehensive view of the brain, and its structures and any abnormalities.

MRIs are rarely performed on newborns as the equipment is usually housed far away from maternity and neonatal departments, and the risks involved in transferring very sick babies can outweighs the benefits. Whereas this compact scanner is the size of a washing machine, and available within the department.

This specific neonatal scanner was built by GE Healthcare following funding from the Wellcome trust. The pioneering method of a dedicated compact neonatal scanner was first considered a decade ago by Professor Griffiths and Professor Paley from the University of Sheffield.

 

Read more and for photo credit see BBC article here.