Design and manufacturing company IntelliDesign has partnered with the UQ Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI) to develop a portable ultra-low field MRI scanner.
This proof of concept device was designed and built by the company’s design and engineering team in collaboration with UQ researchers.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a gold standard for diagnostic imaging applications.
According to the company, the challenge was to make a small portable device that could be moved to the patient, or installed in a paramedic vehicle without complex shielding required by conventional MRI installations.
“The device uses a dynamic small permanent magnet array to generate a 3D-spatial encoding field, AI enabled electromagnetic noise cancellation system and ultra low noise solid state magnetometers in the ultra-low field strength of 1.5 mT.
“These features allow the device to achieve a small system size, low power consumption, and economical manufacturing cost to improve portability and enable battery operation for use in regional hospitals, GP clinics and in ambulances.”
IntelliDeesign was founded in Brisbane in 1995 by Andrew and Shelley Ward and Chris and Robin Bishop and designs and makes electronic products ‘for technically challenging and physically demanding environments’, including medical devices.
The company manufactures and assembles products it has developed with clients, or build to print work, utilising its own printed circuit boards.
Picture: Intellidesign