Deep Organ Image MR Scan Development

Oxford Researchers have developed a new, simple, design of accessory MR surface coil which significantly enhances the quality and clarity of deep organ MRI images.

A new design of magnetic resonance imaging surface coil has been developed in which the location, size and improved homogeneity of the magnetic field within the, so called, “sweet spot” of the field coil have been optimised to enhance both the quality and clarity of MRI images of organs located deep in the human body. The device is suitable for both imaging and spectroscopy, which makes it particularly cost effective. In addition, it can be used with the more basic types of MR scanners that are only equipped to use a single coil.

Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a radio frequency imaging coil that can generate improved images of deep lying organs, such as the heart, liver or kidneys, without significantly increasing the complexity and cost of the MR scanner required.

An International Patent Application has been filed. The technology is available for licensing and Isis would like to talk to companies interested in developing the technology into a commercial product.

Isis Innovation Ltd is the technology transfer company for Oxford University. Isis was set up to help researchers within the University who wish to commercialise the results of their research. The services that Isis is able to provide for the academics includes; licensing intellectual property; facilitating the formation of new companies and providing help with the marketing of their consulting and services expertise.