Philips Releases InkSpace Imaging's Lightweight MRI Coil to Improve Pediatric Imaging

Royal Philips has announced the release of the InkSpace Imaging Snuggle™ pediatric body array coil designed for Philips 3.0T MRI systems. This new coil aims to improve both patient comfort and imaging quality for young patients undergoing MRI scans.

The Snuggle coil is designed for pediatric care, featuring a soft, flexible structure that resembles a blanket. This design helps provide a less intimidating and more comfortable experience for children undergoing MRI procedures. The coil's high-density array facilitates the acquisition of high-resolution images, allowing efficient scans across various pediatric anatomies.

The emphasis on comfort and practicality underscores Philips' and InkSpace Imaging's collaborative effort to minimize the challenges faced by children during MRI exams. By streamlining the imaging process, this coil helps reduce the need for additional imaging and follow-up procedures, supporting technologists in achieving more efficient workflows with quicker setup and reduced scan times. This approach not only enhances patient throughput but also decreases the likelihood of repeating exams.

"This collaboration combines Philips MRI leadership with InkSpace Imaging’s focus on pediatric design,” stated Ioannis Panagiotelis, PhD, Business Leader, MR at Philips. "The Snuggle coil shows how thoughtful design can make MRI scans less stressful for children while giving clinicians the image quality and workflow efficiency they rely on.”

Approved through the FDA 510(k) process, the Snuggle coil addresses the specific challenges of pediatric imaging by providing a comfortable yet high-performing alternative to traditional rigid devices. Dr. Peter Fischer, CEO of InkSpace Imaging, emphasized, “Snuggle was designed and built by InkSpace Imaging to solve a very specific pediatric challenge: comfort and performance without tradeoffs.”

The Snuggle pediatric coil is already available for Philips 3.0T MR systems in the United States, with plans for expansion to other regions. Philips and InkSpace Imaging continue to explore innovative coil technologies that enhance the MRI experience for both healthcare providers and their young patients, ensuring safer, quicker, and more effective exams.