# Portable, Low Field Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for Acute Stroke

> **NIH NIH R01** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $690,249

## Abstract

Abstract
Neuroimaging is a cornerstone of patient care for patients with brain injury. High field magnets and access to
imaging interpretation have prevented magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from becoming a universally
available tool. Our group has demonstrated the feasibility of acquiring clinically useful images on a portable,
low-field MRI. In this proposal, we will validate the use and successful deployment of a portable, mobile MRI
into the acute stroke setting. In current practice, all patients, including those that are critically ill, must be
transported to a centralized, controlled-access environment to obtain an MRI at a single time point, in a highly
inaccessible paradigm. Our hypothesis is that a highly portable, low-field MRI can be deployed into nearly any
setting on a platform that provides real-time, automated neuroimaging analysis. Development of this solution
incorporates engineering and technological innovation (low field MRI), methodological innovation
(imaging reconstruction techniques, machine learning approaches to automated diagnosis), and conceptual
innovation (changing clinical workflow to accommodate a non-invasive method capable of point-of-care and
serial MRI). Our key rationale is that we can expand already available treatments, facilitate decision making,
and inform new approaches to patient care when we reposition the availability of MRI on a near-universal
scale. The fundamental insight is that a low field, portable MRI solution, including advanced methods in image
quality, reconstruction, and interpretation, can make imaging available to virtually any patient. We will bring
MRI technology and interpretation to an individual patient's bedside and in doing so create a platform for
MR imaging and analysis on an unprecedented scale. Because the instrument is inexpensive, does not have
cooling requirements and operates on a standard 15A 120V electrical source, project success would
democratize diagnostic MR imaging for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. In this proposal, we will develop,
quantify, and validate the measure of certainty required for transition into clinical care. Stroke has been
carefully chosen because of the substantial public health burden and existing treatment options that are
available but currently limited because of the requirement for acute neuroimaging. We have developed a
highly collaborative and multidisciplinary framework, with leading experts in low field MRI, machine learning,
stroke, multicenter studies, clinical and translational research. Embedded as well in our team is the expertise
to immediately take this exciting solution to a variety of novel settings (e.g. ambulance, low/middle income
countries). Our industry partner, Hyperfine, is the first company in the world to develop a truly portable MRI
solution, in collaboration with our academic team over the last three years. As we prospectively develop,
troubleshoot, and fine-tune our solution at two leading institutions (Yale and MGH), w...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10798324
- **Project number:** 5R01EB031114-03
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** William Taylor Kimberly
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $690,249
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-04-01 → 2026-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10798324

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10798324, Portable, Low Field Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for Acute Stroke (5R01EB031114-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10798324. Licensed CC0.

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