Low-Cost MRI Machine: A Game Changer for Diagnostics in India

Low-Cost MRI Machine: A Game Changer for Diagnostics in India

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Overview

A newly designed MRI machine offers a cost-effective and accessible solution for diagnostic imaging, potentially transforming healthcare in India. This innovation, developed by scientists at the University of Hong Kong, employs low-strength magnets and store-bought hardware to drastically reduce costs and improve portability.

What is Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI?

It is a noninvasive medical imaging test that produces detailed images of almost every internal structure in the human body, including the organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels. MRI scanners create images of the body using a large magnet and radio waves. No ionizing radiation is produced during an MRI exam, unlike X-rays. These images give your physician important information in diagnosing your medical condition and planning a course of treatment.

How does an MRI scan work?

• The MRI machine is a large, cylindrical (tube-shaped) machine that creates a strong magnetic field around the patient and sends pulses of radio waves from a scanner. Some MRI machines look like narrow tunnels, while others are more open.
• The strong magnetic field created by the MRI scanner causes the atoms in your body to align in the same direction. Radio waves are then sent from the MRI machine and move these atoms out of the original position. As the radio waves are turned off, the atoms return to their original position and send back radio signals. These signals are received by a computer and converted into an image of the part of the body being examined. This image appears on a viewing monitor.
• MRI may be used instead of computed tomography (CT) when organs or soft tissue are being studied. MRI is better at telling the difference between types of soft tissues and between normal and abnormal soft tissues.
• Because ionizing radiation is not used, there is no risk of exposure to radiation during an MRI procedure

Key Features of new MRI?

Cost: Approximately ₹18.4 lakh ($22,000), making it around 50 times cheaper than conventional MRI machines which cost between ₹9 crore and ₹13 crore.

Portability: Lightweight and portable, this machine does not require specialized infrastructure such as shielded rooms or helium coolants.

Power Requirements: Can be plugged into standard wall sockets, eliminating the need for high-power sources.

 Technological Innovations

Magnetic Field Strength: Uses 0.05 T magnets compared to the 1.5 T to 3 T magnets in conventional MRI machines.

Deep-Learning Algorithm: Enhances image quality by reducing background noise and sharpening images, compensating for the lower magnetic field strength.

 Clinical Applications

Preliminary Diagnostics: Suitable for initial scans, especially in rural or remote areas where access to advanced medical facilities is limited.

Emergency Response: Ideal for use by doctors responding to accidents and emergencies, enabling quick assessment and decision-making on-site.

Pediatric Use: Less noisy operation makes it suitable for scanning children.

Metal Safety: Lower magnetic strength reduces the risk of pulling metal objects into the machine, enhancing safety for patients with implants or prosthetics.

 Testing and Validation

Clinical Testing: Successfully tested on 30 healthy adult volunteers, producing clear images of various organs including the brain, spinal cord, liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, heart, and knee structures.

Comparative Quality: The image quality, enhanced by AI, was found to be comparable to that of conventional 3-T MRI machines.

 Potential Impact

Accessibility: By significantly lowering costs and reducing infrastructure requirements, this MRI machine could democratize access to advanced diagnostic imaging across India, particularly benefiting low- and middle-income populations.

Complementary Tool: While not a replacement for high-field MRI machines, it can serve as a complementary tool in radiology departments, especially for preliminary assessments and in settings where high-resolution imaging is not critical.

Conclusion

The introduction of a low-cost, portable MRI machine represents a significant advancement in medical technology, with the potential to greatly improve diagnostic access and healthcare outcomes in India. By addressing cost and infrastructure barriers, this innovation promises to bring high-quality imaging to underserved regions and enhance emergency medical response capabilities.