Philips & InkSpace Imaging Unveil Snuggle Coil for Less Stressful Pediatric MRI Scans
A new flexible MRI coil designed to prioritize child comfort and improve scan efficiency has received FDA clearance and is now available in the United States.
Philips has partnered with InkSpace Imaging to introduce the Snuggle flexible paediatric body array coil, a novel solution for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of young patients. The coil, compatible with Philips’ 3.0T MRI systems, aims to alleviate the anxiety often associated with MRI procedures for children while maintaining high image quality and streamlining workflow for clinicians.
Addressing a Critical Need in Pediatric Imaging
Traditional MRI coils can be rigid and intimidating for children, often requiring sedation or resulting in motion artifacts that compromise image clarity. The Snuggle coil directly addresses these challenges with its innovative design. According to a company release, the coil features a soft, blanket-like structure intended to create a less frightening experience for pediatric patients.
Its lightweight and flexible form gently wraps around the child, promoting both comfort and ease of use. This design is a departure from conventional rigid coils, representing a significant step forward in patient-centered care.
Enhanced Image Quality and Workflow Efficiency
Beyond comfort, the Snuggle coil is engineered for superior performance. Equipped with a high-density array and adaptable form, the device delivers sharp, high-resolution images across a wide range of pediatric anatomies.
These capabilities can translate to tangible benefits for healthcare providers. One analyst noted that the improved image quality may reduce the need for repeat scans or additional procedures. Furthermore, the coil’s design facilitates faster setup, efficient handling, and shorter examination times, ultimately improving technologist workflow.
Collaboration and Future Expansion
The development of the Snuggle coil is a testament to the power of collaboration. “This collaboration combines Philips MRI leadership with InkSpace Imaging’s focus on paediatric design,” stated Ioannis Panagiotelis, Philips MR business leader. “The Snuggle coil shows how thoughtful design can make MRI scans less stressful for children while giving clinicians the image quality and workflow efficiency they rely on.”
InkSpace Imaging CEO Dr. Peter Fischer echoed this sentiment, explaining, “Snuggle was designed and built by InkSpace Imaging to solve a very specific paediatric challenge: comfort and performance without trade-offs. By enabling compatibility with Philips 3.0T MRI systems, we can bring that child-centred design to more hospitals and help care teams get the scan right the first time.”
Currently available in the US, Philips and InkSpace Imaging are actively exploring opportunities for global expansion of this comfort- and efficiency-focused coil technology. Looking ahead, Philips also unveiled its helium-free 3.0T MRI innovation platform, BlueSeal Horizon, in December 2025 at the Radiological Society of North America.
