Eye-tracking VR system could enhance MRI scans for children

Researchers from King's College London have created an innovative eye-tracking technology that makes MRI scans more enjoyable and less stressful for young children by using immersive Virtual Reality (VR). This new system offers a groundbreaking way for children to experience MRI scans with ease and comfort.

How does it work?

This advanced eye-tracking technology allows children to control a VR environment using just their eyes, with no setup required.

During MRI scans, children can instantly engage with interactive VR content by looking at the screen. They can play games, watch videos, and interact with characters simply by focusing their gaze.

As the child interacts, the system continuously improves its accuracy, making the experience even more seamless and enjoyable.

Why does it matter?

MRI scans can be loud and intimidating, especially for young children — often causing them to move, which can lead to poor scan results. The immersive VR quickly captures children's attention, reducing their anxiety and helping them stay still. This is crucial for obtaining high-quality MRI scans.

In addition, the eye-tracking system works with motion correction techniques, ensuring that even if children move a bit - the MRI images remain clear and accurate.

On the record

"Our new technology shows promise to solve virtually all of the limitations of existing systems. Our approach opens new possibilities for awake MR studies in young children for both clinical and research purposes, potentially reducing the need for non-trivial interventions like anesthesia and enabling a new generation of MR based studies of awake brain processing in this formative period of life," said Dr Kun Qian, Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences and study lead-author.

"Today it is normal to be using phones, tablets and computers for entertainment and many other important tasks. Everyone expects these devices to respond immediately and be intuitive to use, so forcing users to endure calibration processes and delays in starting is ever more challenging for them. The instant gaze technology we have created makes gaze-based user interfaces feel completely comfortable and natural to use. Feedback has been incredibly positive, both from children and adults, suggesting that this technology could make a real difference to MR examinations, with widespread benefits," added Professor Jo Hajnal, Professor of imaging Science in the Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences and program leader for this study.

The context

Normally, gaze-based control systems need calibration, which can be difficult for children and delay the start of the interaction. The team at the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences overcame this challenge by creating a system that works instantly and reliably. They also integrated a motion correction method, previously used for baby MRI scans, to further ensure high-quality images even with some head movement. This combination of technologies represents a significant step forward in making MRI scans more child-friendly.

Elsewhere, we've seen a dramatic rise in the use of all kinds of eXtended Reality technologies in healthcare. Heck, we have even published a report on the subject, which is available to our Premium Members. If you're not a DHArab Premium Member yet, now's the time to change that. You'll get a full week to try it out for free.