MRI Coil At LCHU First In Europe

Groundbreaking new equipment for our youngest heart patients at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

Thanks to your incredible generosity Children’s Heart Surgery Fund has funded a state‑of‑the‑art Snuggle™ MRI coil for the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit – the first hospital in Europe to use this pioneering technology.

This special “coil” acts like a super‑lightweight, flexible camera that gently wraps around a patient like a blanket, capturing highly detailed MRI images. And it’s been designed especially for babies and children, helping make their scans safer, quicker and far more comfortable.

For babies who need a scan in our MRI incubator (also funded by CHSF), the coil allows them to be fed, soothed and settled to sleep naturally before being placed into the MRI – meaning many infants can now avoid a general anaesthetic altogether.

The coil can even be wrapped around baby and parent together, so little ones can be scanned while being held or fed – dramatically reducing stress and helping families stay close during what can be a worrying time.

And because it’s ultra‑lightweight, the Snuggle™ coil can also be used for pregnant women, allowing Leeds clinicians to safely scan babies before they are born, while still in-utero.

To help older children too, the coil comes decorated with friendly dinosaurs – turning intimidating medical equipment into something comforting and fun.

In our video, Dr Malenka Bissell demonstrates how the new coil works and explains the transformative benefits it brings to young heart patients and their families.
We were delighted to welcome Brian Welch, Vice President of InkSpace Imaging, who flew from the US to deliver the coil to Leeds and celebrate this milestone with the team!

This innovation is only possible because of you – our funders, supporters and community who continue to champion the very best care for children with congenital heart disease.

We are very grateful to everyone who has helped to fund this equipment including: The Arnold Burton 1998 Charitable Trust, The Grace Trust, The Hobson Charity, Lord Barnby’s Foundation, Michael Cornish Charitable Trust, PF Charitable Trust, The Purey Cust Trust, Sovereign Health Care, Westfield Health and Willie and Mabel Morris Charitable Trust.

Thank you for helping us bring world‑leading technology to Leeds, and for transforming the experience of MRI scans children and families in our region living with CHD.