Synaptive Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Stereotactic Radiosurgery.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiation Oncology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• The Synaptive MRI is a midfield 0.5 T head-only scanner cleared for clinical use in 2020.
• Its design allows installation outside traditional radiology departments.
• Integration into cranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) workflows aims to reduce patient treatment timelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation and adaptation of the Synaptive MRI within an SRS workflow.
• To assess the impact of a dedicated Synaptive MRI on reducing the time from consultation to treatment.
• To compare workflow efficiency with traditional, non-dedicated MRI units.

Main Methods:

• Installed Synaptive MRI adjacent to the SRS suite for dedicated planning image acquisition.
• Evaluated geometric distortion using a specialized phantom.
• Assessed patient comfort via questionnaire and tracked total MRI acquisition time.
• Collected data on time intervals (consult, imaging, treatment) for SRS patients using Synaptive MRI versus historical data from external MRI units.

Main Results:

• Geometric distortions were minimal (<0.52 mm).
• Average patient MRI comfort was high (4.7/5).
• Average total MRI time was 36 minutes.
• Significant reductions were observed in MRI-to-treatment times (P < 0.001) and consult-to-MRI times (P = 0.0039) for patients using the dedicated Synaptive MRI compared to historical controls.

Conclusions:

• A dedicated Synaptive MRI installed within Radiation Oncology departments can optimize the SRS workflow.
• This integration offers a more streamlined patient experience.
• The system effectively reduces the time from diagnosis and imaging to treatment for cranial pathologies.