Philips and Mayo Clinic are teaming up to investigate the potential of AI to improve cardiac MRI technology. The goal of the research is to improve operational efficiency by shortening complex MRI examinations and improving workflow for radiologists. Shorter, more efficient MRI examinations open the door to providing better quality care to more patients struggling with heart disease.
Of all deaths worldwide, more than one in ten (13%) are caused by ischemic heart disease. In addition to CT scans, an MRI scan is increasingly being used to capture images of patients with heart problems. An MRI offers added value especially in the treatment of congenital heart defects or diseases affecting the heart muscle. However, because fewer MRI scanners are available, and the cost of an MRI is higher than that of CT scans, access to high-quality MRI is often limited, however.
Improving MRI research with AI
In the research now being launched by Philips and Mayo Clinic, the two parties will look at how Mayo Clinic's patented AI technology can be used in conjunction with Philips' AI-driven technology. Linking these two research technologies together could potentially reduce the time required for MRI scans.
“From the patient's perspective, MRI scans can be stressful. A complex cardiac MRI exam can sometimes take more than an hour. This is often a challenge for patients who suffer from claustrophobia in the scanner tunnel, find it difficult to lie still or cannot hold their breath long enough,” says Ioannis Panagiotelis, Ph.D., Business Leader of MRI at Philips.
Faster and more efficient research
The benefit of faster, more efficient, MRI examinations is obvious. When radiologists and other healthcare professionals require less time per patient for an MRI examination, workloads and waiting lists decrease. Moreover, by applying AI, even less experienced radiologists can perform complex cardiac MRI examinations.
“By applying AI at every stage of a cardiac MRI scan, we aim to not only increase accessibility and greatly improve the patient experience, but also increase departmental efficiency and provide the detailed diagnostic information needed for optimal patient outcomes,” Panagiotelis said.
Lower field strength
Another aspect addressed in the study is evaluating the potential of lower field strength MRI solutions. A development by Philips with the goal of enabling MRI installations in more locations and providing safer scanning options for patients with implants sensitive to high magnetic fields.
Think of people with metal orthopedic implants or heart implants. Of these, the U.S. alone has more than 12 million (3.9% of the population). In addition, it is estimated that half to three-quarters of patients who have an electronic heart implant will benefit from an MRI solution with a lower field strength at some point in their patient journey.
