Research from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) has resulted in an advancement in medical imaging efficiency that drastically reduces the time patients spend inside MRI scanners.

The researchers were able to decrease average scan times by 35.1%, from 94.7 minutes down to 61.4 minutes. This decrease "boosted patient access and facility utilization," including a 32% increase in monthly CMR scan volume at one of the health offices and a 200% increase (from two preintervention to six post) at another health office.

CMR is the "gold standard noninvasive tool for evaluating complex heart conditions, heart failure, and chest pain. However, these scans are notorious for being lengthy and uncomfortable, often requiring patients to hold their breath repeatedly for long periods."

With this intervention, before the patient even enters the machine, "an advanced cardiac imaging cardiologist thoroughly reviews their charts to pinpoint the exact suspected heart issue. The MRI technologist is then provided with a customized blueprint of contrast and noncontrast imaging sequences, prioritized specifically for that patient’s clinical indication." Cardiologists could then virtually step into scanning rooms across different campuses.