Latest study data show the value of using Hyperfine Inc.’s Swoop system images to quickly assess stroke patients and help physicians make critical treatment decisions. The study is the first to be published that includes a subset of ACTION PMR data.
 
The multi-site observational trial, “Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Mismatch on Portable, Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging Among Acute Stroke Patients,” appears in this month’s issue of the Annals of Neurology. It included 71 patients and was conducted by a team from several institutions, including Massachusetts General Hospital and the University at Buffalo, two centers in the ACTION PMR study.
 
“Our goal is to assess whether portable, ultra-low-field MRI can be used as a tissue clock to characterize acute stroke, which has the potential to inform treatments and improve outcomes. Thus far, we have convincing data on FLAIR showing that this is, in fact, the case,” said Dr. Taylor Kimberly, chief of the Division of Neurocritical Care at Massachusetts General Hospital, and a lead study author.

The Acute Ischemic Stroke Detection with Portable MR (ACTION PMR) study is a prospective, international trial that aims to examine the integration of brain imaging with the portable Swoop system into the stroke diagnosis and treatment workflow. ACTION PMR has already enrolled more than 100 patients at four institutions and comprises a series of investigator-sponsored studies. The initial 100 patients allow for a direct comparison of stroke detection between ultra-low-field MRI, conventional high-field magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography as a means to assess the Swoop system’s ability to detect stroke. The study will continue into a workflow phase starting later this year, evaluating the ease of access and versatility of using the Swoop system in emergency departments and stroke centers within hospital networks.
 
“We would like to congratulate Dr. Kimberly and all the authors on this study demonstrating the Swoop system’s utility in stroke management,” Hyperfine Vice President of Medical Affairs Edmond A. Knopp, M.D., stated. “We eagerly await additional analysis of the entire ACTION PMR dataset, which we believe will show the benefit that Swoop system images can bring to the overall care and management of patients presenting with symptoms of acute cerebral ischemic disease.”

The Swoop Portable MR Imaging system is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared for brain imaging in patients of all ages. It is a portable, ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging device for producing images that display the head’s internal structure where full diagnostic examination is not clinically practical. When interpreted by a trained physician, these images provide information that can be useful in determining a diagnosis. The Swoop system also has CE Mark certification in the European Union and UKCA certification in the United Kingdom. The Swoop system is commercially available in a select number of international markets.
 
Hyperfine Inc. is striving to revolutionize patient care globally through transformational, accessible, clinically relevant diagnostic imaging. Founded by Dr. Jonathan Rothberg in a technology-based incubator called 4Catalyzer, Hyperfine scientists, engineers, and physicists developed the Swoop system out of a passion for redefining brain imaging methodology and how clinicians can apply accessible diagnostic imaging to patient care. 

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