Staff at NHS hospitals in Hull report that AI technology has shortened MRI scan durations, enabling them to see more patients.
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust uses software powered by algorithms to reduce background noise, producing sharper images faster. Karen Bunker, head of imaging, stated, “This means we can reduce the scanning time on certain sequences, but still get the same imaging quality.”
The Air Recon Deep Learning (ARDL) software is installed on existing MRI machines at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital, and will soon be implemented at Scunthorpe General Hospital and Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby.
The software cuts between 10 and 15 minutes off average scan times. Routine MRI head scans now take 20 minutes instead of 30, and prostate scans are reduced from 45 to 30 minutes. The trust can scan 31 lumbar spine patients in 12 hours, up from 21 previously.
Ms. Bunker added that shorter scan times help patients with claustrophobia or learning disabilities tolerate scans better. Staff also noted fewer children require general anaesthesia during MRI procedures.