Local experts have helped find a way to increase the resolution of MRI scanners, while making the procedure quicker and safer for the patient at the same time.

It appears that placing ultrathin metallic resonators under the patient inside an MRI machine can increased the efficiency and quality of the scanning process.

“This research may evolve into a new and very practical device that enhances MRI imaging and scanning time,” says Professor Yuri Kivshar from the Australian National University (ANU), co-author on a new report published in the journal Advanced Materials. 

“It does not require any intervention into the hardware of the MRI scanner, but rather is an inexpensive add-on device that can be used with any existing MRI scanner,” Professor Kivshar said.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most sensitive modern diagnostic tools, making it vital for imaging of cancers, spinal areas or brain function.

Because MRI uses magnetic fields instead of the ionizing radiation in X-rays and CT scans, it is also much less damaging to the patient.

But some new high-field and ultra-high-field MRI scanners heat up the tissue of patients due to an increase of the radiofrequency energy absorption.

The study shows that the resonators - artificial materials with nanoscale periodic structures - suppressed the electric field, which is responsible for tissue heating.

The resonators, also known as metamaterials, were able to spatially redistribute the electromagnetic near fields and double the signal-to-noise ratio, which enables higher-resolution images to be obtained in the same time.

Alternatively, scans with the same resolution as in current MRI scanners could be produced more quickly, reducing discomfort for patients, who need to lie motionless for long periods, and cutting hospital wait times.

The new technology is currently being patented and integrated into the production of commercial MRI scanners in collaboration with the medical company Mediwise.

Additionally, Alexey Slobozhanyuk (first author of the study), says there might be a simpler way.

“Stripes of metamaterial could be sewn into clothes, which would lead to higher resolution MRI images,” he said.