‘Kitten scanner’ removes need for anaesthetic in children

A child-friendly replica MRI machine is now in use at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The device is helping to ease anxiety and reduce the need for sedation in young patients by allowing them to familiarise themselves with the scanning process in advance.

The miniature MRI machine is designed to make the experience less intimidating by using play-based learning.

Children can place character toys inside the scanner and watch a cartoon video that explains what will happen during their real scan.

Sonia Dugmore, senior play specialist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Making hospitals feel less intimidating for our youngest patients is something we take really seriously, so we are thrilled with this new kitten scanner.

“It gets such an amazing reaction when children first see it – their fear turns to fun.

“But through the play specialist role and the use of tools like the new kitten scanner, we are able to coach and encourage many children in advance of their scan using empowering play.

“This enables more of them to have the scan fully awake, which is a fantastic result.”

Traditionally, general anaesthetic was often required for children who found it too difficult to stay still during the loud and confined MRI procedure.

With the kitten scanner, more children can now undergo scans while fully awake, avoiding fasting and injections, and spending less time in hospital.

The project has been funded by Oxford Hospitals Charity, who praised the concept and impact of the new approach.

Ella Cooper from Oxford Hospitals Charity said: “This project really caught our imagination and watching the expression on children’s faces transform when they see the scanner and start playing with it is just wonderful.

“It’s a fantastic example of a brilliant idea coming from the clinical teams that Oxford Hospitals Charity has been delighted to support.”

The device is already making a difference in the hospital’s imaging department.

Cyrene Saga, advanced clinical specialist MRI radiographer, said: “This mini replica of an MRI scanner is not just a toy, it’s a clinical, education and emotional support tool.

“We perform MRI scans on about 30 to 50 children every month and this new approach is helping us perform more of these scans without the need for sedation.”

Ms Saga said removing the need for anaesthetic means children can return home sooner and often results in better quality imaging.