What is the Minimal Motion System for MRI (MR-MinMo)?

The MR-MinMo is a stabilisation device (patent no. GB 2205139.5, filed on 07 April 2022) designed to reduce head motion and discomfort during brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in both clinical and research settings. It combines a fixed frame with adjustable yet firm pads, inflatables and blocks, along with a precision airflow manifold.

Why do we need the MR-MinMo?

Between September 2023 and September 2024, more than 1 million brain MRI scans were performed in England, including over 145,000 scans performed by the NHS. These scans require patients to lie still for 2-10 minutes at a time, and often up to 60 minutes in total, to ensure high quality images. However, patient movement remains a persistent problem, particularly in high-field strength MRI. Even slight movements during a scan can result in disruptive artifacts like ghosting and blurring, resulting in images that are difficult or impossible for clinicians and researchers to interpret.

For example, a 2015 study by Andre and colleagues found that brain, head and neck examinations accounted for nearly 60% of all MRI scans affected by moderate or severe motion-related artifacts. When this happens, scans usually need to be repeated, with repeat MRI sequences occurring in approximately 20% of all MRI examinations. Additionally, these rescans not only delay diagnosis and compromise the quality of healthcare but also lead to substantial financial burdens, with every MRI scan for one area costing between £184 to £504 for the NHS. The total cost of repeat MRI scans is estimated at over £160 million per year.

Maintaining complete stillness can be challenging for anyone, but can be particularly difficult for children or people with brain injuries/neurological diseases. Improving diagnosis and research findings whilst reducing the burden on individuals is an important consideration.

Current methods employ foam pads, cushions, and wedges, requiring manual placement for each session and often failing to prevent movement. Although there are numerous methods focused on image correction through software for movement, a more effective solution would involve physical immobilisation to prevent head motion during scanning.

Key features & benefits:

• More accurate and higher-quality MRI images: Reliable immobilisation of the patient's head within MRI head coils, significantly minimises motion-induced artifacts and maintaining consistency across multiple scans.

• Enhanced patient comfort: Controlled pad inflation through an airflow manifold allows perfect adjusting to different head shapes and sizes and ensures consistent ventilation around the patient’s head, guaranteeing consistent immobilisation with optimal comfort. This also maintains a comfortable temperature during scanning while supporting scanner safety by preventing overheating.

• Protection of MRI equipment: Static frame and padding system distribute pressure evenly, preventing mechanical stress of delicate MRI head coils. This helps maintain the long-term integrity and performance of MRI equipment.

• Universal design of MR-MinMo components: Seamless alignment within various MRI head coils from different manufacturers, enabling stability and repeatability across many MRI scanners.

• Optimised workflow for medical professionals: Adjustable, easy-to-fit components allow quick and reliable patient positioning, reducing setup time and improving consistency across sessions. This enhances efficiency for radiographers and researchers, while improving the patient experience.

  
  

Essentially, the goal of the MR-MinMo is to minimise patient movement during a scan, which can ruin brain MRI image quality.

Why is this relevant?

We are currently conducting a clinical investigation to evaluate the effectiveness of the MR-MinMo. We hope to demonstrate, for example:

In doing so, these features of the MR-MinMo can highlight its potential to enhance scan quality and notably reduce the need for repeated scans, saving lots of money for the NHS.