Introduction/Purpose Portable MR imaging scanners are a new breakthrough point-of-care tool that will improve patient access and reduce patient transport times as well as associated risks that are incurred through delays in scan time and suboptimal care provided during transportation. Additionally, this can provide a new stratifying tool to increase cost effectiveness by providing imaging access to patients in a more timely fashion and then only imaging on a conventional high-field MR imaging system if further sequences are necessary. Other benefits of using a portable system rather than conventional MRI systems, include the simplicity of the portable MR operating system, allowing expanded user access through a provided iPad that can be controlled from the patient’s bedside rather than individuals having to undergo more specialized training. Having a portable system that is easier to sanitize, likewise reduces the time between scans, especially critical in the setting of infectious contagions (ex. COVID-19, Tuberculosis, etc.) where sanitizing conventional MRI systems would often result in delayed patient care for later patients.

Materials and Methods Imaging results of the Hyperfine Swoop Portable MR Imaging System implemented at the University of Virginia Health System ICU were analyzed and evaluated for various outcomes including image quality, and workflow efficiency including MRI screening, the complexity of protocols, and time for transport to the patient unit. This was likewise compared to traditional MRI workflow.

Results Initial analysis of the Hyperfine Swoop Portable MR Imaging System implemented at the University of Virginia Health System ICU demonstrates improved workflow, cost-effectiveness, and ultimately better patient outcomes. With the portable system being implemented into the workflow, the total time from a traditional MRI workflow was drastically reduced from approximately 24 hours to around 60-90 minutes with the portable MRI system, largely in part due to the expedited MRI screening system, patient prep, and time efficient intrahospital transfer to the unit. However, this isn’t without limitations that come with the portable MRI system including a lower image resolution and limited imaging sequences including a lack of perfusion imaging and the ability to evaluate vascular pathology. Further statistical analysis is in process and will be provided at the time of the conference.

Conclusion Portable MRI is a promising innovation with the aim to expand patient access and improve diagnostic times so that critical and potential lifesaving imaging diagnoses can be promptly treated with the urgency that is required. While initial analysis provides evidence that portable MRI has advantages over conventional MRI systems including workflow efficiency and improved patient imaging times, this will need to be compared to the unfortunate negative drawbacks of lessened image resolution and limited imaging sequences that come with the convenience of portable MRI systems. If the hypothesis is further corroborated, then future studies could be aimed at investigating and comparing the various treatment protocols of initial stroke imaging through the emergency department with the incorporation of this user-friendly and readily available technology.

Disclosures O. Richardson: None. A. Richardson: None. S. Mukherjee: None.