# Technology for MR brain monitoring

> **NIH NIH R01** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2024 · $629,495

## Abstract

7. Project Summary/Abstract: Technology for MR brain monitoring
 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been the undisputed standard of care for the detection
and diagnosis of neurological disorders and injuries since its inception over 4 decades ago. The cost,
weight, size, and maintenance needs of MRI scanners, however, typically precludes their use in some
locations with perhaps the greatest need - including Emergency Departments, Neurological Intensive
Care Units (ICUs), surgical suites, sports fields, battlefields, rural healthcare sites, and ambulances.
This has started to change with the emergence of low-field “point-of-care” scanners, such as those
developed by our group and others. Still, even these mobile units are not designed to be used as a
patient monitoring device akin to how a pulse-oximeter is used. A new approach is needed to create
a true “brain monitor” using MRI.
 In this work, build on our proof-of-concept prototype 7 kg brain monitor, the “MR Cap” to develop
and evaluate an inexpensive device that can be deployed, not bedside, but within the patient bed.
Once in place, the device can acquire imaging information at regular intervals and alert the care team
to changes associated with increased intracranial pressure or hemorrhage. To achieve this, we relax
magnetic field strength and homogeneity constraints to allow lightweight, permanent magnet designs
(our prototype is 7 kg) that can be held by an articulating arm with no cryogens or power
consumption. We achieve image encoding and eliminate the heavy, power consuming readout
gradient by using a built-in gradient requiring no additional power and producing no acoustic noise.
We propose passive and active external interference mitigation methods to eliminate the need for a
shielded room. We will validate the scanners ability to monitor for and detect cerebral mass effects in
the ICU.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10880983
- **Project number:** 1R01EB034902-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Lawrence L Wald
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $629,495
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2027-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10880983

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10880983, Technology for MR brain monitoring (1R01EB034902-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10880983. Licensed CC0.

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