MRT examinations for fidgety kids, too

MRT examinations for fidgety kids, too

Siemens has developed a procedure that enables magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) systems to produce sharp images even when a patient moves during an examination. The company’s new “syngo blade” software adjusts images to eliminate the effects of patient movements, making MRT examinations possible for patients who shake involuntarily or are disoriented. The technology is especially beneficial for children, who often require sedation or even a full anesthetic to keep them still during MRT examinations. Siemens’ new patient-friendly MRT application eliminates the need for such measures.

According to medical statistics, every third child below the age of ten requires sedation prior to an MRT examination. Three-quarters of all children two years of age or younger require a full anesthetic. Since there are relatively few doctors specializing in anesthesiology for children, it is often difficult to get an appointment for an MRT examination at short notice. In addition, examinations frequently have to be postponed because young children often have colds or cannot be administered an anesthetic since, contrary to doctor’s orders, they have eaten something beforehand.

The new technology, which functions only with MRT devices from Siemens, can be used for examining a wide range of organs including the head, joints, the spine, the stomach and the chest. It also enables doctors to make whole-body images in one step without moving the patient from one room to another. Up until now, patients – regardless of age – had to remain completely immobile during MRT examinations. With the new system, hospitals and doctors’ offices can now examine every patient more easily, quickly and accurately than ever before.

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