Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

India Installs US FDA-approved Portable MRI For Bedside Brain Scans At AIIMS Delhi

In a significant public health move, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, has deployed India’s first portable MRI for bedside brain scans, marking an important milestone for neurological care across the country.

The MRI system, installed at the AIIMS’ Center for Neurological Conditions, will enable rapid brain imaging for critically ill patients in ICUs, emergencies, and neurosurgical care.

The ultra-low-field device can be wheeled directly to patients, eliminating the need for dedicated MRI suites or risky patient transfers. 

“Bedside brain imaging transforms how we care for our most critically ill patients. At AIIMS, we manage thousands of stroke and ICU patients annually, where rapid neuroimaging is essential—yet transport to conventional MRI is often unsafe or impossible,” said Dr. Shailesh Gaikwad, Head, Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Neuroradiology and Chief of Neuroscience Centre, AIIMS New Delhi, in a statement.

<h2>Bedside MRI: The Swoop system</h2>

The Swoop MRI system, developed by US-based medical technology company Hyperfine, is the world's first FDA-cleared, portable, and ultra-low-field magnetic resonance brain imaging system capable of providing imaging at multiple points of care.

It is expected to improve rapid diagnosis in stroke, trauma, ICU monitoring, pediatrics, and post-operative neurosurgical care. 

Across the world, portable bedside MRI systems are being used in hospitals in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and various EU countries. 

“The Swoop system eliminates that barrier. Now our clinicians can obtain diagnostic images at the point of care, enabling faster decision-making in neurology, trauma, and critical care," Dr Gaikwad explained. 

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/indias-vaccine-initiatives-hpv-for-girls-indigenous-dengue-shot-on-the-horizon-article-154208811" data-type="tilCustomLink">India’s Vaccine Initiatives: HPV For Girls, Indigenous Dengue Shot On The Horizon</a>

He added that as AIIMS Delhi "serves as a referral center across India, this deployment signals what's possible when technology and clinical need align to advance neurological care”.

The technology enables faster decision-making in emergencies, in cases where conventional imaging is difficult or unsafe. 

The installation in AIIMS Delhi follows regulatory approval in India, Hyperfine said in a statement. 

Experts stated that the development could significantly expand access to brain imaging and strengthen research in point-of-care neurodiagnostics nationwide.

<h2>How The Swoop System Is Better Than Conventional MRIs? </h2>

Conventional high-field MRI systems require dedicated shielded rooms, specialized infrastructure, and patient transport. 

For critically ill patients in ICUs, trauma bays, neurosurgery wards, neonatal units, and emergency departments, transport is often not feasible. These limitations can delay diagnosis and treatment and impact outcomes. 

<ul><li>Requires no dedicated room, </li><li>No specialized power, </li><li>No patient transfer </li><li>It can be wheeled to the patient’s bedside in the ICU, trauma center, stroke unit, or neonatal ward and obtain brain images when and where they are needed most.</li></ul>

“Bringing the Swoop system to AIIMS New Delhi is an important milestone following regulatory approval last December. India has a significant unmet need for accessible brain imaging. Deployment at the country’s leading institution signals the start of bringing point-of-care brain MRI to sites of care and institutions across India, where it can serve clinicians and their patients across neurological conditions,” said Maria Sainz, President and CEO of Hyperfine.

The Swoop system deployment at AIIMS New Delhi also establishes a foundation for clinical research. The AIIMS New Delhi team plans to document outcomes, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and advance India’s role in the growing global evidence base for point-of-care brain imaging.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

aiims

Portable MRI

Bedside Brain Scans

swoop

shailesh gaikwad

maria sainz

hyperfine

aiims new delhi

Colorectal Cancer: UK Surgeon Warns Of 5 Silent Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Common Yet Underdiagnosed Condition

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

In a significant public health move, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, has deployed India’s first portable MRI for bedside brain scans, marking an important milestone for neurological care across the country.  The MRI system, installed at the AIIMS’ Center for Neurological Conditions, will enable rapid brain imaging for critically ill patients in ICUs, emergencies, and neurosurgical care.  The ultra-low-field device can be wheeled directly to patients, eliminating the need for dedicated MRI suites or risky patient transfers.  “Bedside brain imaging transforms how we care for our most critically ill patients. At AIIMS, we manage thousands of stroke and ICU patients annually, where rapid neuroimaging is essential—yet transport to conventional MRI is often unsafe or impossible,” said Dr. Shailesh Gaikwad, Head, Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Neuroradiology and Chief of Neuroscience Centre, AIIMS New Delhi, in a statement. Bedside MRI: The Swoop systemThe Swoop MRI system, developed by US-based medical technology company Hyperfine, is the world's first FDA-cleared, portable, and ultra-low-field magnetic resonance brain imaging system capable of providing imaging at multiple points of care. It is expected to improve rapid diagnosis in stroke, trauma, ICU monitoring, pediatrics, and post-operative neurosurgical care.  Across the world, portable bedside MRI systems are being used in hospitals in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and various EU countries. “The Swoop system eliminates that barrier. Now our clinicians can obtain diagnostic images at the point of care, enabling faster decision-making in neurology, trauma, and critical care," Dr Gaikwad explained. Also read: India’s Vaccine Initiatives: HPV For Girls, Indigenous Dengue Shot On The HorizonHe added that as AIIMS Delhi "serves as a referral center across India, this deployment signals what's possible when technology and clinical need align to advance neurological care”.The technology enables faster decision-making in emergencies, in cases where conventional imaging is difficult or unsafe. The installation in AIIMS Delhi follows regulatory approval in India, Hyperfine said in a statement. Experts stated that the development could significantly expand access to brain imaging and strengthen research in point-of-care neurodiagnostics nationwide.    How The Swoop System Is Better Than Conventional MRIs?  Conventional high-field MRI systems require dedicated shielded rooms, specialized infrastructure, and patient transport. For critically ill patients in ICUs, trauma bays, neurosurgery wards, neonatal units, and emergency departments, transport is often not feasible. These limitations can delay diagnosis and treatment and impact outcomes.  On the other hand, the Swoop system Requires no dedicated room, No specialized power, No patient transfer It can be wheeled to the patient’s bedside in the ICU, trauma center, stroke unit, or neonatal ward and obtain brain images when and where they are needed most. “Bringing the Swoop system to AIIMS New Delhi is an important milestone following regulatory approval last December. India has a significant unmet need for accessible brain imaging. Deployment at the country’s leading institution signals the start of bringing point-of-care brain MRI to sites of care and institutions across India, where it can serve clinicians and their patients across neurological conditions,” said Maria Sainz, President and CEO of Hyperfine.  The Swoop system deployment at AIIMS New Delhi also establishes a foundation for clinical research. The AIIMS New Delhi team plans to document outcomes, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and advance India’s role in the growing global evidence base for point-of-care brain imaging.