FDA Clears AI-Powered Platform for Converting Spine MRIs to 3D Visualizations

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a 510(k) clearance for NextMR, an AI-enabled platform that generates 3D bone images of spine imaging obtained with conventional 1.5T and 3T MRI.

MRI2CT, the developer of the NextMR platform, said it offers detailed views of 3D bone morphology from spine MRI images in less than 60 seconds. Facilitating more of a direct pathway from imaging to surgical planning and procedures, NextMR allows clinicians to view the 3D images in axial, sagittal and coronal planes as well as a 3D reconstruction, according to MRI2CT.

Emphasizing the potential for seamless integration into existing MRI workflows, the company noted that there is no need for local software installation as the NextMR technology is available as a secure cloud-based application.

“NextMR gives us the ability to take the routine MRI a patient already has and transition directly to highly accurate 3D bone morphology that can support the surgical workflow. That’s a huge advantage,” said Frank Phillips, MD, the director of the section of minimally invasive spine surgery at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in Chicago. “For patients, that can mean avoiding additional imaging, radiation and appointments while helping streamline their path to surgery.”