Progress Towards a 136 mT Portable MRI for Neuropathological Assessment in Preterm Neonates

Motivation: Premature neonates are at high risk for brain injury, but MRI assessment is severely limited by risks associated with neonate transfer. Goal(s): We aim to develop a portable MRI system optimized for bedside neonatal brain imaging to improve early diagnosis and monitoring of cranial neurological abnormalities in the NICU (9006). Approach: Our approach includes developing a lightweight, portable, wall-outlet-operable MRI scanner in the form of a 136 mT Halbach magnet. Results: The completed magnet achieves a B0 strength of 136 mT, and ongoing efforts focus on gradient coil and passive shim development, as well as phantom imaging. Impact: The 136 mT portable MRI system could transform premature neonatal brain imaging by enabling rapid diagnosis of ischemic and hemorrhagic abnormalities like GM-IVH, facilitating earlier prognosis and neuroprotective interventions and ultimately improving clinical outcomes through enhanced early imaging capabilities.