December 2, 2020 — Yale New Haven Children's Hospital (YNHCH) opened its state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in 2018, demonstrating the hospital’s continued commitment to provide the best in advanced care for premature babies and infants with medical complications. Their commitment is further strengthened with the installation of the new Embrace Neonatal MRI system from Aspect Imaging, the first FDA-approved, CE marked compact MRI system designed specifically for use inside the NICU.
The Embrace system produces quality diagnostic images when they are needed right inside the NICU, eliminating the risks, challenges, time, and added stress often associated with having to transport critically-ill babies to the Radiology department for scanning.
“The Embrace Neonatal MRI system keeps us at the cutting edge of neonatal care and moving forward,” said Matthew Bizzarro, M.D., medical director of the NICU. “It gives us the ability to really get critical and timely scans of our most critically-ill babies with relative ease. The location of the MRI and the ability to accommodate complex patients with a lot of support apparatus that we currently cannot accommodate with traditional MRI, is hugely beneficial.”
The Embrace features a thermo-controlled patient bed with closed-loop air circulation to help maintain the baby's core temperature and comfort, and a tubing management system to accommodate continuous monitoring with existing IV lines, respiratory circuits, and monitoring leads. The system’s quiet operation creates much less noise than traditional MRI scanners, to avoid exposing the baby to harmful sound levels and protecting the quiet environment necessary in the NICU. Additionally, the Embrace allows parents to remain close to their baby, while the full-color video display enables continuous visual contact throughout the scanning process.
Among the many unique features of the Embrace Neonatal MRI system is its small footprint. Unlike traditional scanners, it has a much smaller profile, allowing it to fit perfectly within the NICU, where space is often limited. Featuring a self-shielded design, the Embrace also eliminates the need for special room construction, cooling or electrical requirements associated with traditional MRI systems. Having the system inside the NICU helps simplify the workflow for the care team, while mitigating potential scheduling challenges with the Radiology Department.
“What the Embrace MRI shows is that we, as an institution, are continuing to try to move patient care forward,” added Bizzarro. “That has been incredibly challenging, given the situation that our health system, and all other health systems are facing with the pandemic. Adding this system to our NICU really is a huge step forward for the safety and care of our patients.”
“We are extremely pleased to have our first clinical installation of the Embrace in the United States at such a prestigious organization as Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital," said Wendy Slatery, Chief Commercial Officer for Aspect Imaging. “It exemplifies our shared commitment to advancing care for these precious patients. The Embrace Neonatal MRI System will effectively serve to support the hospital’s mission to deliver the best in family-focused care solutions to optimize patient outcomes, while at the same time, improving staff productivity and satisfaction.”
For more information: www.aspectimaging.com
February 20, 2026 
