Globes is reporting that an unidentified US investor has infused $6 million into Aspect Management Technologies, an Israeli company specializing in developing portable, desktop MRI systems. The company’s medical subsidiary, called Aspect Magnet Technologies Ltd., explains some of the features of its technology platform, that is still under development:
Better than 75 micron resolution, Simple to use, Desktop MRI, No shielding required, System can be placed anywhere, Zero external magnetic field…
ASPECT’s system is based on revolutionary permanent magnet technology. The magnet is highly efficient. The system has high performance, quiet gradients™, highly sensitive coils and powerful user-friendly application software and it provides high quality MR images. Advantages in image quality are also a result of lower magnetic susceptibility, which is in contrast to most high field MRI systems.
ASPECT has placed great emphasis on optimizing the system for the research subjects — mouse, rat and microplate. The streamlined workflow makes the imaging process simple, flexible and fast.
Unlike most existing MRI systems, ASPECT’s system can be placed anywhere — in the laboratory, office, animal facility etc. It is inherently shielded with a ZERO magnetic fringe field. It requires only a small footprint and has no special requirements for operation, thus it enables every researcher maximum operational flexibility and simplicity. Due to its relatively light weight and compact design, it is transportable. Installation is simple and fast.
Possible future clinical applications, according to the company:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and wrist diagnosis Monitoring and treatment assessment of bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and performing a non-invasive bone biopsy Cardiovascular Flow Mediated Dilation assessment Hand and foot diagnosis and real-time surgery
