Stavanger University Hospital has become the first in Norway to install the Hyperfine Swoop® portable MRI system, marking a new era in accessible, point-of-care brain imaging. The installation follows Lioness Medtech AB’s successful 2024 tender to deliver ultra-low-field portable MR brain imaging technology to Stavanger, representing a major milestone in point-of-care access to advanced medical imaging.

Revolutionizing MRI Accessibility with the Swoop® System

The Swoop® system, developed by Hyperfine, Inc. (Nasdaq: HYPR), is the world’s first FDA-cleared and CE-marked portable MRI device for brain imaging. Designed to overcome accessibility and infrastructure challenges, Swoop® enables ionizing-radiation-free brain imaging virtually anywhere.

Unlike traditional high-field MRI scanners that require dedicated rooms, liquid helium cooling, and extensive installations, the self-propelled Swoop® system arrives to the patient’s bedside. It significantly improves diagnostic efficiency in intensive care (ICU), operating room (OR), and emergency (ER) settings, as well as in neonatal, pediatric and geriatric wards.

Expert Perspectives on the Installation

Professor Kathinka Dæhli Kurz, Head of MR and Research at the Department of Radiology, Stavanger University Hospital, emphasized the clinical impact:

“By implementing the Swoop® system, we aim to understand how improved access to MRI affects acute stroke diagnosis. Our goal is to enable earlier therapy for more patients — not only in rural regions of Norway but also in low-income countries where conventional MRI remains out of reach.”

Liliane Rothoff, Market Responsible at Lioness Medtech AB, highlighted the collaboration:

“We are proud to partner with Stavanger University Hospital in bringing the Swoop® system to Norway. This installation represents an important step toward making advanced brain imaging more accessible and improving patient outcomes. Our team completed the installation and training, and the enthusiasm and quick learning of the Stavanger staff were truly inspiring. The system is now in clinical research use, and we look forward to the results and future publications.”

Dr. Edmond Knopp, Chief Medical Officer at Hyperfine, added:

“The Swoop® system transforms neurocritical care by providing rapid, bedside imaging. Its deployment at Stavanger University Hospital exemplifies Hyperfine’s mission to advance medical technology and improve patient care globally.”

Advancing Research and Clinical Integration

The introduction of the Swoop® system in Stavanger aligns with ongoing Nordic and international research projects evaluating portable MRI technology across diverse clinical settings. By enabling immediate imaging at the point of care, the system has the potential to:

• Expedite diagnosis and treatment in time-sensitive conditions such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.
• Improve patient outcomes by reducing transport-related risks.
• Increase access to advanced neuroimaging for more patients.
• Provide advanced brain imaging without ionizing radiation
• Increase access to advanced neuroimaging in regions lacking traditional MRI infrastructure.

About Stavanger University Hospital

Stavanger University Hospital is one of Norway’s leading medical institutions, dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care and advancing medical research. The hospital continuously integrates innovative technologies to improve healthcare delivery across multiple specialties. For more information, visit https://sus.no

About Lioness Medtech AB

Lioness Medtech AB is a forward-thinking medical technology company specializing in the introduction of cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. Focused on improving patient outcomes, the company collaborates with leading hospitals and research institutions to implement state-of-the-art medical technologies. For more information, visit https://lionessmedtech.com

About Hyperfine, Inc.

Hyperfine, Inc. (Nasdaq: HYPR) is a pioneering health technology company that has redefined brain imaging with the Swoop® system — the first FDA-cleared, portable, ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging system capable of providing imaging at multiple points of care. Hyperfine’s mission is to revolutionize global patient care through transformational, accessible, and clinically relevant diagnostic imaging.

Founded by Dr. Jonathan Rothberg within the technology incubator 4Catalyzer, Hyperfine’s team of scientists and engineers developed the Swoop® system from a shared passion for advancing brain imaging and making MRI more accessible worldwide. For more information, visit https://hyperfine.io

The Hyperfine logo and Swoop® are registered trademarks of Hyperfine, Inc.

Disclaimer: The Hyperfine Swoop® portable MRI system is commercially available only in select markets. Availability and indications for use may vary by region. At Stavanger University Hospital, the system is utilized within a research and clinical assessment project for diagnostic and workflow evaluation.