# Toward unshielded MRI for improved safety and access

> **NIH NIH K99** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2024 · $133,176

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable non-invasive imaging technology, but it is expensive and out of
reach for many centers, especially those in rural areas of the US and developing countries. MRI’s significant
siting requirements for safe operation can double or triple the cost of systems, and therefore are a major barrier
to access. The growing popularity of portable MRI systems highlights the demand for more accessible and
affordable MRI technology, but these systems do not offer the same image quality and versatility as conventional
clinical scanners and remain specialized equipment dedicated to specific populations and conditions. This
proposal aims to advance the technology needed to dramatically reduce the siting burden of
conventional superconducting scanners (factor of ~2x), thus drastically improving patient access to
whole-body systems that are applicable to all populations and conditions.
 The proposal introduces and validates a new approach combining passive and active radiofrequency
(RF) radiation cancellation in the far-field regime. We are developing the approach through a comprehensive
program of electromagnetic modeling, system design, and experimental verification to solve the problem of
transmit Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) in MRI without using a Faraday cage. We leverage 20 years of
research and expertise in electromagnetic modeling and parallel transmission (pTx) technology to tackle this
new and important problem that has received little-to-no attention from the engineering community.
 Importantly, this proposal aligns with my research background and interests and was specifically
designed in conjunction with my mentors to enable me to become an independent investigator. A K99/R00 award
would help me jumpstart a bioengineering career focused on addressing clinically important problems through
innovative technological approaches. Following the R00 phase, I plan to continue my career at the cutting edge
of technology development for MRI, maximizing the impact on patient health and accessibility. My ultimate goal
is to develop into an independent investigator who creates and applies new technology to improve the
accessibility and affordability of MRI while maintaining high standards of safety and quality for patient care.
 The Martinos Center at Massachusetts General Hospital provides an ideal environment and infrastructure
to execute the proposed research strategy. The Center offers extensive hardware and computing resources, as
well as several large-bore MR scanners that will facilitate the technical development of this proposal, aiming to
eliminate the need for a Faraday shielded cage. To facilitate my transition to independence, I have collaborated
with my mentors to design a training program that includes coursework, specialized seminars, and clinical
shadowing. During the K99 phase, I will be mentored by world-leading experts in MRI physics and hardware
development (Dr. Lawrence ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10864608
- **Project number:** 1K99EB035647-01
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Ehsan Kazemivalipour
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $133,176
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-05-01 → 2026-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10864608

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10864608, Toward unshielded MRI for improved safety and access (1K99EB035647-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10864608. Licensed CC0.

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