Choose Flexible MRI Coils for Better Pediatric MRI & Cardiac Imaging

Pediatric MRI is one of the most challenging areas in diagnostic imaging especially when it comes to pediatric cardiac imaging. Small anatomy, rapid heart rates, and constant movement make it difficult for traditional rigid coils to deliver diagnostic-quality scans. As a result, many children are unable to complete MRI exams and are instead sent for invasive procedures such as catheterization.

This case study shows how InkSpace Imaging’s flexible MR coils, designed specifically for pediatric anatomy, enabled radiologists to capture detailed pulmonary artery blood flow in a 3-year-old patient entirely through MRI.

The Challenge in Pediatric MRI

Children with abnormal blood vessel routing often require precise visualization of pulmonary artery flow. However, conventional MRI cardiac coils are sized for adults and can’t contour effectively around a child’s chest. This leads to:

• Poor SNR and incomplete data

• Motion artifacts from discomfort and shallow breathing

• Failed scans and repeat imaging

• Increased reliance on invasive cardiac procedures

For many hospitals, this results in higher cost, longer workflows, and increased risk for pediatric patients who may require anesthesia or catheter-based evaluations.

A Flexible Coil Designed for Pediatric Cardiac Imaging

InkSpace Imaging developed a pediatric-specific solution: Snuggle a lightweight, body-conforming flexible MRI coil engineered for children’s anatomy.

Unlike conventional coils, this pediatric array adapts to the patient’s shape and maintains close contact critical for maximizing SNR in pediatric MRI. With this design, radiologists benefit from:

Improved Image Quality

• Higher SNR and better anatomical conformity improve visualization of complex cardiac structures.

Faster, More Successful Exams

• The flexible coil allows children to breathe comfortably, reducing motion and helping technologists complete the scan without sedation.

Better Tolerance for Longer Cardiac Imaging Sequences

• Because the coil is lightweight and soft, young patients remain still longer allowing radiologists to acquire complete datasets for nuanced pediatric cardiac imaging.

Increased Acceleration and Reduced Scan Time

• The coil’s geometry and element layout allow higher acceleration factors, decreasing overall scan time and improving workflow efficiency.

The Result: Complete Pulmonary Artery Flow Imaging Without Catheterization

In the case of a 3-year-old patient with surgically altered pulmonary arteries, the InkSpace flexible MRI coil delivered high-resolution images that captured detailed blood flow through the narrowed pulmonary artery.

All diagnostic data were obtained through MRI, eliminating the need for:

• An initial ultrasound

• A follow-up MRI using adult coils

• A catheterization to measure flow

Inkspace Imaging Pulmonary Artery Blood Flow Case Study.pdf

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Despite the child’s small size and elevated heart rate, the flexible coil delivered clear, diagnostic-quality images with no loss of detail. This is the impact of technology designed specifically for pediatric MRI and cardiac imaging.

Why Flexible MRI Coils Matter in Pediatric Care

Flexible coils are transforming how clinicians approach pediatric MRI by enabling:

• Higher diagnostic confidence

• Reduced need for invasive cardiac procedures

• Shorter scan times and better patient comfort

• Higher throughput and more complete exams

By addressing the unique anatomical and behavioral challenges of pediatric patients, these coils dramatically improve care quality while reducing cost and operational strain.

To learn how more or to get a demo of the coil, reach out here.