Tel Aviv-Israel based Aspect Imaging has unveiled the Embrace Neonatal MRI System, which is designed to be placed inside the NICU to reduce the time and risks involved with transporting infants to an external MRI facility. According to company officials, Embrace Neonatal MRI System enables safer imaging of infants and provides easier access for medical staff during the scanning process.
Specifically, the system can prep and scan in less than an hour. Intubated babies can also be scanned without disconnecting and reconnecting the tubing from the baby, due to the design of Embrace. Plus, Aspect Imaging officials say Embrace is acoustically quieter during scanning, compared to traditional whole-body scanners, and has a permanent magnet that is always active and, thus. requires no electrical, cryogenic or water cooling.
Finally, the Embrace Neonatal MRI System does not require a special safety zone or an RF-shielded room; therefore, the system can be placed inside the NICU. Plus, since the system is fully enclosed, medical device implants in close proximity (outside the magnet bore) are not required to be “MR conditional” or “MR safe.”
The first system was installed at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, in Jerusalem, Israel, and has already scanned 55 babies. The latest installation, however, took place at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston.
