A Brief History of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

In 1946 Edward Purcell¹ and Felix Bloch² independently discovered Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) which is the basis for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology. In 1952 Edward Purcell and Felix Bloch shared The Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery.

The next significant milestone was reached in 1969 when Dr Raymond Damadian³ theorized that cancerous cells could be detected using NMR. Raymond Damadian published the results of his experiments in 1971, which proved his theory was correct. Also, in 1971 Paul Lauterbur⁴ theorized a method using NMR to obtain two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of living tissue. The following year, Lauterbur used his NMR technique to examine two test tubes (one containing regular water, the other heavy water) and managed to generate an accurate cross-sectional image of the test tubes. His paper was accepted and published by Nature in 1973. Separately, Peter Mansfield⁵ published his research into using magnetic field gradients to create three-dimensional MR images in 1973.

By 1977 Dr Raymond Damadian had constructed the first whole-body human scanner, named 'Indomitable', and had performed the first full-body MRI on a patient. Raymond Damadian's Company (FONAR) introduced the world's first commercial MRI scanner in 1980.

In 2003 Paul Lauterbur and Peter Mansfield shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for their contribution to the development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Penlon’s MRI Product Range

The introduction of the "MRI Compatible" IM500 Anaesthetic Machine and the Penlon Plastic Laryngoscope in 1993 heralded the start of Penlon’s long history of producing anaesthesia products suitable for use in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) environment. Although not initially designed for MRI use, the Penlon Plastic Laryngoscope was suitable for MRI procedures when used with "a paper covered 3v lithium battery and a non-magnetic aluminium space to holder the single battery in place". By 1995 Penlon’s range of “MRI Compatible Equipment” had grown to include the IM500 Anaesthetic Machine, Nuffield 200 Anaesthesia Ventilator, Newton Valve, and PPVΣ Anaesthesia Vaporizer. In 1997 the Sigma Elite replaced the PPVΣ Anaesthesia Vaporizer and was classed “MRI Compatibility” up to 750 Gauss.

^{(Images: Penlon IM500 Anaesthetic Machine and Sigma Elite Vaporizer sales literature)}

The next generation of Penlon MRI products appeared in 2007, with the launch of the Prima SP MRI and the validation of the new Sigma Delta Anaesthesia Vaporizer.

^{(Image: Penlon Prima SP MRI Anaesthetic Machine)} 

In 2013 the Prima SP MRI was superseded by the Prima 451 MRI Anaesthetic Machine, which had been designed specifically for use in the MRI environment. The following year the new Diamond MRI Laryngoscope Range was launched, with the Penlon MRI Product Range extending the next year to include respiratory care systems.

In 2016 Prima 451 MRI Anaesthesia System components and accessories, including the Nuffield 200 Ventilator, A200SP Absorber, Sigma Delta Vaporizers, AGSS Receiver, and SC760 High Suction Controller, were approved for use at 1000 gauss in 1.5 and 3 tesla MRI scanners. The AV-S MRI Anaesthesia Ventilator launched in 2017 and was approved for use at 400 gauss by the following year it was approved for use at 1000 gauss in 1.5 and 3 tesla scanners, along with the rest of the range.

 ^{(Image: The Penlon MRI Product Range)}

The most recent addition to the Penlon MRI Product Range is the new MRI Green System Laryngoscope Range, with an extensive range of blade options available, which launched in 2021.

^{(Image: The Penlon MRI Green System Laryngoscope Range)}

Visit penlon.com to find out more about Penlon’s range of products for use in the MRI environment.

References

1. E. M. Purcell – Biographical. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2022. Wed. 23 Feb 2022. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1952/purcell/biographical/
2. Felix Bloch – Biographical. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2022. Tue. 22 Feb 2022. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1952/bloch/biographical/
3. Raymond V. Damadian. National Inventors Hall of Fame. https://www.invent.org/inductees/raymond-v-damadian
4. Paul C. Lauterbur – Biographical. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2022. Tue. 22 Feb 2022. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2003/lauterbur/biographical/
5. Sir Peter Mansfield – Biographical. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2022. Wed. 23 Feb 2022. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2003/mansfield/biographical