STRETCHABLE, WEARABLE COILS MAY MAKE MRI TESTS EASIER ON PATIENTS PURDUE RESEARCHERS FIND

Purdue University researchers have developed RF coils that are formable and stretchable, that could one day replace an MRI machine with an imaging session where comfortable fabric with the coils embedded inside are strapped onto the patient. 

Researchers applied technology used in the defense and aerospace industries to create a novel way of doing some medical imaging, according to the university announcement. 

‘'We created an adaptable, wearable and stretchable fabric embroidered with conductive threads that provides excellent signal-to-noise ratio for enhanced MRI scanning,'' said Joseph Rispoli, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering in Purdue's College of Engineering. Rispoli is a BMES member

The Purdue team's work appeared in the journal IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.

The Purdue flexible and stretchable coil could be placed close to the skin on an area or joint, regardless of its positioning.

Rispoli said the technology also is applicable to breast MRI and to enhancing medical device communication using wearable or implantable antennas.
“Our preliminary results show a full-scale device will be superior in all aspects of diagnostic testing, including increased sensitivity and fewer false positives,” Rispoli said.

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