Frequently asked questions.

Is brain imaging the only application for the Swoop system?
The Swoop system is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a portable, ultra-low field magnetic resonance imaging device for producing images that display the internal structure of the head where full diagnostic examination is not clinically practical. When interpreted by a trained physician, these images provide information that can be useful in determining a diagnosis.

What are the use cases for the Swoop system?
See the Point-of-Care Imaging in Neurocritical Care Settings brochure.

What imaging sequences does the Swoop system include?
Imaging sequences include T1, T2, FLAIR, and DWI (with accompanying ADC map). Visit our Sequences page to learn more.

Does the Swoop system replace fixed conventional MRI systems?
The Swoop system is not a replacement for fixed conventional MRI systems. Instead, it is a specialized device that produces images used to answer specific clinical questions when obtaining those answers using conventional MRI is not desirable, impossible, or too dangerous for the patient. The Swoop system is capable of non-contrast-enhanced brain imaging.

Does the Swoop system use temperature control?
Unlike fixed conventional MRI systems that use superconducting magnets, the Swoop system’s permanent magnet design does not require liquid helium or other cryogens. The operating temperature range of the Swoop system is 15 to 30 degrees Celsius (59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit).

What RF shielding is needed with the Swoop system? Is it the same as a fixed conventional MRI system?
Unlike a fixed conventional MRI system, the Swoop system requires no additional RF shielding because of the built-in RF noise cancellation technology used by the Swoop system.

In what imaging planes can the scans be obtained?
The Swoop system can acquire images in all three orthogonal planes—axial, sagittal, and coronal. All of the sequences can be acquired in the axial plane. The T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and FLAIR pulse sequences are also available in the sagittal and coronal planes. Visit our Sequences page to learn more.

Can a Swoop system scan patients on ventilators?
The Swoop system can be used for patients on ventilators with the ventilator positioned outside the 5-gauss area.

Is there any risk for radiofrequency burns?
The Swoop system’s specific absorption rate (SAR) limitations are well below any safety concerns for the intended patient population with respect to its intended use, MRI of the brain. The presence of conducting objects in the field of view is known to cause localized increased SAR, but the risk of this causing burns in the Swoop system is extremely low because of the ultra-low magnetic field and RF energy.

How much acoustic noise does the Swoop system make?
Acoustic noise from the Swoop system is substantially lower than that from a conventional MRI system. Because noise levels are low, hearing protection is optional for the patient.

What training is required to operate a Swoop system, and how many people should be trained?
The number of people trained to operate the Swoop system will depend on your facility’s guidelines and workflow. Hyperfine, Inc. offers one-on-one training to teach operators at your facility about the Swoop system exam workflow, including how to drive and position the Swoop system at the point-of-care, how to position a patient in the Swoop system, and how to operate the Swoop system using its provided Apple^_® iPad Pro^_® mobile digital device. Check with hospital administration about regulations surrounding who may operate the Swoop system at your institute.

Apple and iPad Pro are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

Does the Swoop system require a dedicated room for running scans?
A dedicated room is not required—the Swoop system maneuvers through hospital environments and wheels directly to a patient’s bedside. The system contains a unique proprietary radiofrequency noise cancellation system that enables it to create images in typical hospital environments, where conventional MRI systems cannot.

Does the Swoop system require a dedicated room for storage?
The Swoop system does not require a dedicated storage room. Ideally, it should be stored in a location with an electrical outlet for charging. We provide a portable barrier to enable users to control access to the Swoop system during storage.

How long does it take for the Swoop system to be ready to scan?
When stored under the specified environmental humidity and temperature conditions, the Swoop system is ready to image less than two minutes after plugging into power.

Is the imaging integrated into the hospital radiology picture archiving and communication system (PACS)?
The Swoop system can send digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) images to the local PACS or Hyperfine, Inc. Image Viewer. Additionally, the system can pull patient information from the modality worklist (MWL) to register a patient for the exam.

What billing code is used with the Swoop system in the United States, and can I expect a similar reimbursement to that of fixed conventional MRI systems?
Billing codes for using the Swoop system are the same as those used for any MR imaging of the brain:

• Code: CPT 70551
• Swoop system scans are reimbursed using CPT 70551 (MRI Brain without contrast). Global (technical + professional) reimbursement can be obtained if a radiology report is generated.
• Description: Magnetic resonance (e.g., proton) imaging, brain (including brain stem); without contrast material

For billing questions in other regions, please contact us.

Does Medicare cover Swoop system exams?
Medicare approves specific MRI procedures, not vendor-specific MRI systems. FDA-cleared for brain imaging without contrast, scans with the Swoop system are reimbursable (CPT 70551).