Italy’s University of Milano-Bicocca has become home to the country’s first nanoScan MRI system, a 100% cryogen-free 7T MR scanner designed by Mediso Medical Imaging Systems for preclinical, in vivo imaging research.

The scanner has a range of readily optimized protocols for imaging mice and rats, including the most common MR techniques and state-of-the-art pulse sequences and methods, such as parallel imaging, ultra short TE sequences, different spectroscopy sequences, and echo-planar applications. It also can be used to perform functional MR exams.

The system’s magnetic field and low-noise gradients make it capable of high-end in vivo applications, including diffusion tensor imaging and MR spectroscopy with efficient signal-to-noise ratio for high-quality imaging. Its pulse tube cryocooler is also located at the back of the scanner to minimize vibrations, eliminating ghosting, a type of structured noise that creates replicates of the main subject or parts of it in images.
“With the system, we will implement novel in vivo diagnostic procedures, and better characterize the preclinical models of diseases under development based on established imaging features derived from clinical knowledge,” said Rosa Maria Moresco, professor at the department of medicine and surgery at University of Milano-Bicocca, in a statement.

The solution’s SmartMagnet technology speeds up recovery time following day-long maintenance and service intervals, minimizing downtime, and provides active quench protection, continuous system parameter monitoring, and low-consumption idle mode operations for when the system is not in use.

Additionally, it has a Sequence Development Platform that allows users to create their own sequences or modify existing ones, with a built-in tool for testing various, freely customizable reconstruction and post-processing algorithms, and adding new ones.

Mediso, which has over 300 preclinical medical imaging systems installed in more than 100 countries, also offers a PET insert for simultaneous PET/MR imaging.

The University of Milano-Bicocca did not return HCB News' request for comment.

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