New MMR Device Approved to Diagnose Traumatic Brain Injuries

A new device was recently cleared by the FDA to help diagnose brain injuries in patients.  The Siemens Biograph mMR system is the first machine to simultaneously perform a positron emissions tomography (PET) scan and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

PET scans involve a radioactive injection that traces blood flow, while MRIs produce images of the brain through the use of magnetic fields.

“The Siemens PET/MRI system allows two tests to run simultaneously without having to move the patient to a different scanning system,” said FDA representative Alberto Gutierrez in a statement.  “Minimizing changes in a patient’s position between tests allows for physicians to compare images more easily and helps them get the most accurate information possible.”

The two-in-one scanner both saves time and reduces radiation levels exposed to patients.  The system has been cleared for anyone who needs diagnostic PET or MRI imaging, with an exception for people with implanted electronic devices like pacemakers or defibrillators.