Photo courtesy of United Imaging Healthcare
A newly operational MRI centre under SingHealth in central Singapore uses AI to reduce scan time by up to 25%, increasing the cluster's scanning capacity by up to 18,000 slots yearly.
The off-site SingHealth MRI Centre at Dunearn Village features three MRI machines provided by United Imaging Healthcare.
WHY IT MATTERS
The machines are equipped with AI functions that enhance image reconstruction through advanced algorithms, according to SingHealth Radiological Services chairman and associate professor Andrew Tan.
The AI enables "faster data acquisition and noise reduction without compromise to image quality, while also automating workflows to enhance the efficiency of our radiographers," he told Healthcare IT News.
For now, he said procedures that benefit most from the AI acceleration include MRI scans for prostate, as well as musculoskeletal areas such as the spine, knees, and ankles.
"We plan to expand the type of procedures that can benefit from AI acceleration."
The increased scanning capacity, A/Prof Tan said, affords patients "greater flexibility to secure their preferred appointment slots."
Designed with a home-like concept, the new MRI centre features in-bore "starlight" lighting and rooms equipped with immersive nature visuals and integrated audio systems, which together "enhance emotional and psychological comfort of patients, promoting better cooperation and tolerance" during scans. Two of the three MRI machines feature a wider 75-centimetre bore.
SingHealth believes it is the first institution in Southeast Asia to offer MRI services using this integrated design.
Additionally, the centre uses a door frame ferromagnetic detector for quicker, safer pre-scan metal checks, and has trained nurses dispensing prescriptions onsite to streamline preparation and avoid extra hospital visits for patients with contrast allergies.
THE LARGER TREND
A/Prof Tan also shared that SingHealth is expanding and integrating AI applications across radiology, including breast imaging analysis to augment radiologist interpretation and CT brain screening for intracranial bleeding. AI, he said, "helps us prioritise these critical cases and reduce waiting times for patients with abnormal findings."
Earlier this year, the cluster disclosed that it received an SG$135 million ($105 million) gift from the estate of legendary banker and founder of Maybank, Khoo Teck Puat – its largest donation to date – which will help accelerate, among other initiatives, its integration of AI in digital pathology.
Last year, SingHealth also partnered with Philips on three digital health projects, including embedding AI to automate and streamline imaging workflows.
