Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – A stroke, often referred to as a brain attack, occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Understanding the signs, risks, and recovery processes is crucial for anyone wanting to protect their health and support those affected by this condition.
Researchers at the University of Aberdeen have developed an innovative medical scanner capable of detecting brain damage in stroke patients using significantly lower magnetic fields than previously possible.
Known as the world’s first Field Cycling Imager (FCI), this device builds on MRI technology but operates at ultra-low magnetic fields, enabling it to reveal how diseases affect organs in ways never seen before. With its improved safety profile compared to traditional scanners, the FCI presents exciting opportunities for portable diagnostic systems that could be used in ambulances and other out-of-hospital environments.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) typically employs powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed internal body images. In contrast, the FCI adapts this concept with a completely redesigned system that dynamically adjusts the magnetic field strength during a scan, including reducing it to levels lower than that of a typical fridge magnet, while still delivering high-quality imaging results.
Being able to adjust the magnetic field in MRI technology is akin to having multiple scanners in one device. This flexibility enables the extraction of a wider range of data, uncovering more comprehensive and diverse information compared to traditional MRI systems.
A groundbreaking study published in Radiology, the leading journal in the field, demonstrates the unique capabilities of very low magnetic field strengths. The research reveals that areas of the brain affected by stroke, caused by a blocked blood vessel, emit signals that are distinctly different from those of normal brain tissue at these low field strengths. Remarkably, the magnetic field used in this study is 10,000 times weaker than that of conventional MRI machines and 100 times weaker than other low-field MRI systems, underscoring the sensitivity and potential of this innovative approach.
Professor Mary Joan MacLeod, who is a Professor of Stroke Medicine, says “Our initial findings are very exciting, as they reflect the first step to producing a device that would be safe and small enough to put in an ambulance so that stroke patients can have a diagnosis and start treatment before they reach hospital. We have also shown that the new scanner can also identify bleeds in the brain, and changes in the small blood vessels which might lead to dementia. We know that there are lots of other exciting potential applications for this technology in areas such as cancer and bone disease. We would like to thank all the patients who have so enthusiastically helped us get to this stage”.
Dr. Lionel Broche, a Senior Research Fellow in Biomedical Physics, indicated that this achievement reflects years of dedicated research and a strong partnership between the University of Aberdeen and the stroke team at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. He indicated that as they continue refining field-cycling imaging technology, they are beginning to detect new signals with significant clinical potential. Their next step involves extending this stroke study using the latest version of our field-cycling system, which will be installed directly within Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. This placement will enhance accessibility for patients and unlock numerous opportunities for medical research. Dr. Broche indicated that it is an exciting time for innovation in this field.
Professor David Lurie, Emeritus Professor of Medical Physics, pointed out that it is incredible to see Field-Cycling Imaging, which their team in Aberdeen has been advancing for over a period of 10 years, demonstrating its potential in stroke assessment. Professor Lurie also pointed out that the progress highlights a promising future for FCI, which provides benefits to patients and healthcare systems across the world.
