NordicNeuroLab makes fMRI scans easy, reliable and reproducible

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) shows activity in specific areas of the brain and is used to help to reduce the risk of damage to healthy areas of the brain during neurosurgery. Successful scans rely on the ability to engage patients in neuropsychological experiments during their MRI scan, monitor their level of engagement, and synchronise the timing of presented tasks with the acquisition of the MR images. The accuracy of timing is critical to the validity of results.

Conventional visual and auditory presentation equipment and accessories are not designed to operate in the strong magnetic field of an fMRI environment, making it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain reliable and reproducible results without dedicated products.

NordicNeuroLab has over 20 years’ experience making electronics work in the challenging MR environment. The fMRI Essentials Package is specifically designed to fit within the workflow of a hospital’s daily routine, making the process of presurgical mapping efficient and reproduceable.

The solution is comprised of the following components:

1. InroomViewingDevice: an MR-compatible LCD monitor
2. nordicAktiva: stimulus presentation and workflow software
3. SyncBox: synchronises stimulus presentation with MR image acquisition
4. ResponseGrip: MRI-compatible patient response collection device
5. Stimulus presentation PC

The fMRI Essentials Package enhances the quality of life of patients undergoing brain surgery by providing neurosurgeons with information about brain function on an individual level.

The global market for functional brain imaging systems is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.8 per cent during the period 2024–2030, reaching nearly USD 7.9 billion in 2030.

fMRI is becoming a standard of care for the planning of neurosurgery for brain tumour and epilepsy patients in the US, and there is huge potential for growth due to demographic factors related to these conditions. The total addressable market for the fMRI Essentials system is all hospitals with neurosurgery and neuroradiology departments worldwide.

NordicNeuroLab also offers a range of other products, including the Visual System HD, a solution for presenting advanced 3D visual stimuli inside the MR scanner during fMRI research studies; the nordicComfortSolution, a relaxation system that improves the patient experience during MRI scans; and nordicAudio, which allows patients to clearly hear the MRI technician as well as crystal clear audio content for entertainment and functional MRI purposes.