A Low-Cost, High Quality MRI Breast Scanner Using Prepolarization
Abstract
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been shown to be more sensitive and equally specific when compared to x-ray mammography for detecting breast cancer. MRI is non-invasive, completely non-toxic, and requires no uncomfortable breast compression. But an x-ray mammogram costs about $100 whereas an MRI study costs about $1,500. The exam cost is related to the scanner's manufacturing cost (approx. $400,000), and sale price ($1-3M). X-ray mammography units cost about one tenth of an MRI scanner. Our objective is to tailor a new concept in MRI called Prepolarized MRI (PMRI) for low-cost MR mammography. PMRI substitutes two inexpensive pulsed magnets for the expensive superconducting magnet. We believe that a high-quality MRI breast scanner using prepolarization could be manufactured for less than $50,000. This project could potentially make MRI as affordable as x-ray mammography.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA385299
Entities
People
- Albert Macovski
Organizations
- Stanford University