Scannexus is the core of the European Centre of Excellence in Ultra-High-Field MRI in Maastricht, in which the expertise of an international group of technological, clinical and academic organisations is pooled. Scannexus provides a unique, integrated platform that combines state-of-the art technology with know-how and internationally renowned expertise in post-acquisition processing of Ultra-High-Field MRI data.

The core elements of the Scannexus facility are three Ultra-high-field human MRI scanners

The core elements of the Scannexus facility are three Ultra-high-field human MRI scanners, supplied by Siemens; a 3T Magnetom Prisma Fit, a 7T Magnetom and a 9.4T Magnetom. Ultra-High-field imaging offers new levels of insight into anatomy and function, and opens up a range of possibilities with implications for medical diagnosis and treatment. With the help of these ultra-high-field scanners, one can visualize the smallest details in the body. Scannexus focuses on 5 main themes: neuroscience, cardiovascular, oncology, musculoskeletal, metabolism & nutrition. The GYM project connects seamlessly with the musculoskeletal and metabolism research themes of Scannexus, which is of particular importance to follow the labelled stem cells following administration and their engraftment in the affected muscle. The required resolution can only be offered by Scannexus.

The GYM project helps Scannexus to explore if its portfolio can be extended to monitoring and follow muscle stem cell therapy, by which a new group of researchers and patients can be reached. This would increase the use and return on investment of the highly advanced infrastructure Scannexus is having and is of strategic importance for the services supplied. It would further strengthen the role of Scannexus as key player in and catalyser of translational research in the EMR.

For Scannexus, this application can be a big step in the clinical patient care of who have to undergo stem cell therapy

With the help of MRI, it is possible to non-invasively follow labelled (e.g. iron oxide or 19F) stem cells in the human body and to trace where these stem cells position themselves. For Scannexus, this application can be a big step in the clinical patient care of who have to undergo stem cell therapy. In addition, it is a research that provides added value to the quality of life for the patient.