Philips to Advance Cardiac MRI Technology with Mayo Clinic

Royal Philips and Mayo Clinic have entered a research collaboration aimed at advancing MRI for cardiac applications. Through their investigation, Philips and Mayo Clinic will look to harness the power of AI to increase operational efficiency by shortening complex MRI exams and improving workflow for radiologists.

The investigation intends to leverage Mayo Clinic’s proprietary AI technology in combination with Philips’ AI-driven technology. Combining these investigational technologies can potentially help reduce MRI scan times and improve the efficiency needed to relieve the burden on healthcare professionals and the shortage of trained staff. With the benefit of AI, less experienced radiographers may be able to successfully perform complex cardiac MRI exams.

Loannis Panagiotelis, Ph.D., Business Leader of MRI at Philips said: “By applying AI at every stage of a cardiac MRI exam, we intend to expand access and greatly improve the patient experience, increase departmental efficiency, and deliver the detailed diagnostic information needed for optimal patient outcomes.”

The research will evaluate the potential of lower-field-strength MRI solutions developed by Philips. These solutions are designed to enable MRI installations in a broader range of locations and provide safer scanning options for individuals with implants sensitive to high magnetic fields. 

Around 3.9% of the U.S. population is fitted with a metallic orthopedic or cardiac implant¹, many of whom are denied an MRI scan due to safety concerns. It also has been estimated that 50% to 75% of patients fitted with a cardiac implantable electronic device are expected to benefit from a lower-field-strength solution at some point in their patient journey².         

With its unique, innovative BlueSeal magnet technology, Philips offers sustainable, affordable cardiovascular, helium-free MRI scanners to address this issue.

References:

¹ https://www.philips.co.uk/healthcare/education-resources/publications/fieldstrength/mri-and-mr-conditional-implants.

² Kalin R, Stanton MS. Current clinical issues for MRI scanning of pacemaker and defibrillator patients. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2005;28(4):326-328. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2005.50024.x https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15826268/