GE Healthcare Buys MRI Tech

GE Healthcare has acquired the SWIFT magnetic resonance imaging technology of Steady State Imaging, a Minneapolis-based start-up that was commercializing the technology developed at the University of Minnesota. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

The application enables the visualization of tendons, ligaments and other tissues, and shows potential for imaging in areas near the lungs and other parts of the body where conventional MRI is not effective, according to the vendors. Steady State Imaging's Web site, for instance, displays a rotating MRI of a diseased tooth.

SWIFT MRI is in the research stage and not yet approved for clinical use. The technology now is in the hands of GE, which has significant technological and marketing capabilities, according to Steady State Imaging CEO Danny Cunagin.

More information is available at steadystateimaging.com.

--Joseph Goedert