Wellington researchers aim to improve MRI experience
WELLINGTON: Head scans in magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, machines should become more comfortable thanks to work being done by Wellington researchers.
MRI scan technology requires patients to lie still for an extended period in a fully enclosed tube and for some, this causes claustrophobia and anxiety.
Edgar Rodriguez, of Victoria University, is among those who have been working on how to make the experience better for patients.
The project is being undertaken by researchers at the universities of Harvard, Yale, Minnesota, Colombia, Sao Paulo and Victoria University.
Dr Rodriguez said the teams have focused on how to reduce patient anxiety through design.
The resulting machine looks much like a salon hairdryer, he said.
‘‘We designed a purposebuilt chair that you can fit from a very small person to a very big person, and sitting up instead of lying down really helps in maintaining dignity for the patient.’’
It also has a window, allowing a person to see outside of the machine and talk to the clinician.
Other design features that help to reduce anxiety include a head rest that allows for movement in the body while the head is kept still, and a remote control.
‘‘They can adjust the chair but also they can get out of the scanner if for any reason they panic and need to get out.’’
The machine will go through clinical testing for the next two years, but Dr Rodriguez says it will be a few years before it will be in full use. — RNZ