Low-field magnetic resonance imaging

Low-field magnetic resonance imaging is an emerging approach to MRI imaging, which aims to provide diagnostic image quality using devices with several magnitude lower field strength (typically well under 0.1T) than most stationary units.

The reduced field strength of these devices allows improved mobility and point-of-care MRI imaging  in e.g. intensive care units. The very low field strength also makes these devices safe to operate in the vicinity of ferromagnetic materials, also facilitating the imaging of e.g. critically ill patients. Early studies with mobile, very low-field (0.064T) MRI devices demonstrated diverse potential for application, in particular for follow-up of CNS diseases such as brain hemorrhages and infarcts without the need to move the patient out of the ICU ¹.