Portable MRI Technology at Royal Perth Hospital

Since 2023, Royal Perth Hospital has been home to an ultra-low-field (ULF) point-of-care MRI system known as The Swoop. This groundbreaking technology is the world’s only FDA-cleared portable brain MRI.

Unlike traditional MRI systems, which require costly infrastructure and patient transport, the Swoop operates at a significantly lower magnetic field strength of 0.064 Tesla. This portable MRI can be brought directly to a patient’s bedside, offering quick and convenient brain imaging without the need for the costly siting and shielding needs of a traditional superconducting MRI systems.

The device is compact, fitting easily into lifts and doorways, and can be controlled via an Apple iPad Pro. This innovation allows for rapid deployment in various clinical settings, including emergency departments, intensive care units, paediatric facilities, and even remote locations.

At the RPH Research Foundation's August Food for Thought Seminar Professor Paul Parizel shared with fellow researchers the capabilities of ultra-low-field point-of-care MRIs and their potential to transform patient care by, reducing the need for patient transfers, and improving access to MRI in rural and remote areas.

Professor Paul Parizel is the inaugural David Hartley Chair of Radiology at Royal Perth Hospital, a position supported by the RPH Research Foundation. In this role, Professor Parizel not only provides essential clinical services but also plays a pivotal role in educating the next generation of medical professionals and leading groundbreaking research in diagnostic and interventional radiology.

Watch his presentation below to learn more about the potential of ultra-low-field point-of-care MRI technology in Australia.