Flexible coils enhance MRI patient experience 

MRI tests can be uncomfortable as rigid radio-frequency (RF) coils are often used. The Purdue team used a conductive silver-coated thread that was zigzag stitched onto stretchable sportswear to create a single-loop receive RF coil. Its design aims to enhance patient comfort during MRI scans while maintaining or improving the resulting image quality.

Brain implant electrode material shows MRI compatibility

New preclinical MRI coil delivers 3x better resolution

"Imagine going for an imaging session and they strap on a comfortable fabric with the coils embedded inside," said Joseph Rispoli, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering and electrical and computer engineering at Purdue. 

"We created an adaptable, wearable and stretchable fabric embroidered with conductive threads that provides excellent signal-to-noise ratio for enhanced MRI scanning."

According to the Purdue team, the technology is similar to that found in applications for the aerospace and defence industries. Rispoli said the technology also is applicable to breast MRI and to enhancing medical device communication using wearable or implantable antennas.