Mid-field scanners like this and their AI technology are expected to help increase access to advanced imaging. But they require clinical validation by UCSF to ensure it can provide the same quality to patients with them as they can with state-of-the-art high-field MR. "More compact, mid-field imaging systems that are sited near where patients live and work may have a cascading effect. We would expect patients to expend less time and energy traveling to an imaging appointment," said Dr. Sharmila Majumdar, professor and vice chair of research at UCSF department of radiology and biomedical imaging.

To help improve access, UCSF and Siemens will also study the impact that AI has on radiology, clinical data, image integration and quantitative imaging, and how these effects subsequently affect access to advanced imaging.


"Siemens Healthineers is very excited about the innovation partnership with UCSF to bring MR to places it has never been before, advancing the access and quality of radiological imaging in Northern California, while simultaneously working toward sustainable, eco-friendly healthcare," said David Pacitti, president and head of the Americas at Siemens Healthineers, in a statement.

Phase one will be completed in one year and focus on evaluation and modeling, while phase two will focus on implementation and trials, also over one year. The partnership, according to Hess, is a 10-year endeavor.

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