Flexible Coil Design Set to Transform Pediatric MRI Exams
Philips has introduced a solution that could significantly change how we perform MRI on pediatric patients. The Snuggle, developed by InkSpace Imaging and validated for Philips 3.0T systems, is a body array coil shaped like a blanket — lightweight, soft, and flexible — that wraps around the child during the exam, providing comfort without compromising diagnostic quality.
Anyone working in pediatric imaging knows how challenging it can be to keep a child still inside the magnet. Traditional rigid coils cause discomfort, increase anxiety in young patients, and frequently result in motion artifacts that compromise the exam. The Snuggle was designed specifically to address this problem at its root.
High-Density Array for Precision Imaging
Despite its cozy appearance, the Snuggle coil makes no compromises on the technical front. Its high-density array captures sharp, detailed images across various pediatric anatomies. This reduces the need for repeat scans and follow-up exams — which not only optimizes team workflow but also decreases the total time the child spends in the equipment.
According to Ioannis Panagiotelis, PhD, Business Leader at Philips MR, the collaboration brings together Philips’ MRI leadership with InkSpace Imaging’s focus on pediatric design. Dr. Peter Fischer, CEO of InkSpace Imaging, emphasizes the coil was created to “solve a very specific pediatric challenge: comfort and performance without tradeoffs.”
Practical Benefits for MRI Technologists
For MRI technologists, the benefits extend well beyond patient comfort. The flexible design allows faster and more accurate patient positioning, reducing setup time. In a scenario where imaging centers constantly seek to optimize equipment utilization, every minute saved in setup means greater patient throughput.
It’s worth noting that the medical imaging market is expanding rapidly, with projections exceeding $59 billion by 2030. Innovations like the Snuggle reflect a clear trend: equipment increasingly centered on patient experience without sacrificing diagnostic excellence.
FDA Clearance and Availability
The Snuggle coil received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration through the 510(k) process, enabling its commercial availability in the American market. Philips plans to expand availability to additional regions. The integration of this type of accessory tends to be facilitated by compatibility with existing Philips systems, especially where PACS technology is already widely adopted.
Outlook for Pediatric Radiology
The trend toward humanizing the diagnostic imaging environment is not new, but it has gained momentum in recent years. Features such as themed room environments, headphones with music, and now blanket-like coils represent significant advances in reducing pediatric sedation. Less sedation means lower risk, reduced costs, and a more streamlined workflow for the department.
For radiology services that treat pediatric populations, keeping up with these innovations is strategically important. The combination of comfort, efficiency, and image quality positions solutions like the Snuggle as a benchmark for the future of pediatric MRI.
Source: Philips / GlobeNewsWire