Concept 0.13 T bedside MRI for early brain imaging in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Motivation: Despite the high diagnostic value of MRI, safety concerns and logistical burdens often prohibit the transport of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients to standard MRI scanners. Goal(s): In response, we aim to design a specialized NICU bedside MRI scanner that prioritizes minimal disruption to care and provides a higher field strength (and signal-to-noise) than currently available portable scanners. Approach: Using realistic finite element modeling and genetic algorithm optimization, we demonstrate a 131mT Halbach magnet design with a peak-to-peak homogeneity of 421ppm over a 14cm diameter spherical volume. Results: We present the computer-aided-design prototype of the full portable NICU MRI system. Impact: The bedside MRI scanner capable of diffusion contrast neuroimaging of neonates could bring a new early evaluation tool for brain conditions such as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).