SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Ivanhoe Newswire) – Each year, 40 million Americans undergo an MRI scan, or magnetic resonance imaging. It’s the best way for physicians to glimpse inside the body without surgery. It’s also critical that the scan quality is crystal clear, and that’s why some hospital systems have begun to incorporate AI, or artificial imaging into the process.
When an MRI scans your body, it’s using heavy electromagnets as doctors search for early signs of cancer, liver disease and tumors. Early detection means earlier life-saving treatment.
“The tool that we’re using is AI to reconstruct the images, but not to read the images – we still do all of the reading,” explains Carlos Morales, MD, neuroradiologist at Baptist Health System and Baptist M&S Imaging in San Antonio, Texas.
The AI reconstructs and produces an image with high resolution, and in far less time than a traditional MRI.
Dr. Morales further explains, “The main benefit for the patient is decrease in scan time, that means decrease in the amount of time they have to spend in the uncomfortable MRI scanner – up to 50 percent in some cases.”
Additionally, Dr. Morales says the AI system they use produces about 30 to 50 percent higher resolution images for radiologists to more easily interpret.
“At the end of the day, I get a much higher percentage of high quality, highly-diagnostic examinations,” Dr. Morales tells Ivanhoe. “If there are any small, subtle lesions that we can detect on these higher-resolution exams, we can help find problems earlier than without it.”
Radiologists input instructions into the scanner and the artificial intelligence runs a software algorithm for quicker scans, meaning an average 30-minute scan is complete in 12 minutes.
Contributors to this news report include: Donna Parker, Producer; Bruce Maniscalco, Videographer; Roque Correa, Editor.
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Sources:
https://www.ismrm.org/resources/information-for-patients/
MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS
RESEARCH SUMMARY
TOPIC: AI SUPER CHARGES MRI
REPORT: MB #5306
BACKGROUND: The combining of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has resulted in a groundbreaking advancement in medical diagnostics, significantly reducing the time patients spend undergoing these common scans. By using the power of AI algorithms, healthcare providers can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of MRI procedures. These algorithms are trained to analyze and interpret MRI images quickly, aiding radiologists in detecting abnormalities, tumors, and other medical conditions with greater speed and precision. This not only expedites the diagnostic process but also allows for earlier interventions and treatment planning, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing anxiety associated with prolonged wait times for results.
(Source: https://healthitanalytics.com/news/artificial-intelligence-can-help-improve-mri-scanning-speed)
DIAGNOSING: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the field of MRI diagnostics by offering a range of advanced tools and techniques. One key application of AI in MRI is image segmentation, where algorithms analyze MRI scans to identify and outline early-stage cancerous nodules, lesions, or other regions of interest within the body. Also, AI-powered image reconstruction techniques assist radiologists in detecting subtle abnormalities and providing thorough assessments of tissue. In a recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers demonstrated the remarkable capabilities of AI in aiding MRI-based diagnoses. The study focused on the detection of brain tumors, a task historically reliant on the expertise of radiologists. By implementing AI algorithms specifically trained to analyze MRI images, the researchers achieved a level of accuracy comparable to that of experienced radiologists. The AI system not only detected tumors with high sensitivity but also significantly reduced the rate of false positives, showcasing its potential to enhance diagnostic precision and expedite treatment planning.
(Sources: https://healthitanalytics.com/news/artificial-intelligence-can-help-improve-mri-scanning-speed
NEW TECHNOLOGY: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently granted 510(k) clearance for Hyperfine’s portable MRI scanner, featuring enhanced artificial intelligence capabilities. The updated Swoop system now incorporates advanced post-processing and promises sharper images and more precise diagnoses. Hyperfine’s achievement of its eighth FDA software clearance in three years highlights their commitment to innovation and improvement, with the aim of delivering high-quality brain imaging to patients and providers across various care settings.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS REPORT, PLEASE CONTACT:
Natalie Gutierrez
Natalie.gutierrez@baptisthealthsystem.com
If this story or any other Ivanhoe story has impacted your life or prompted you or someone you know to seek or change treatments, please let us know by contacting Marjorie Bekaert Thomas at mthomas@ivanhoe.com
