Imaging (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray)

High‑resolution and point‑of‑care imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound, X‑ray) enables rapid diagnosis and management of polytrauma, intracranial hemorrhage, pneumothorax, and fractures. In austere and prolonged‑field‑care settings, portable modalities, low‑dose protocols, and tele‑radiology inform triage, surgical planning, monitoring, and evacuation decisions.

Technical Challenges

  • Limited portability and power/weight constraints for high‑fidelity CT/MRI systems in far‑forward settings

  • Image quality degradation from motion, limited training, and constrained acquisition conditions

  • Delayed interpretation when expert radiology is unavailable; bandwidth limits telemedicine

  • Radiation dose management in repeated imaging and compatibility with expeditionary logistics

Emerging Opportunities

  • Compact, rugged low‑field MRI and lightweight CT solutions optimized for trauma and brain imaging

  • AI‑assisted, validated decision support for rapid, automated detection of life‑threatening findings

  • Integrated imaging workflows that minimize power, cooling, consumables, and setup time

  • Standards and training packages for non‑radiologist operators in prolonged‑field‑care scenarios

Current and Emerging Technologies in Imaging (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray)

Portable/compact CT and cone‑beam CT

Fieldable CT and cone‑beam CT provide rapid cross‑sectional imaging for chest, head, and orthopaedic assessment with evolving low‑dose protocols for expeditionary use.

Point‑of‑care ultrasound with AI

Handheld ultrasound with automated image acquisition, AI guidance, and rapid interpretation supports FAST exams, lung evaluation, vascular access, and serial monitoring by non‑specialists.

Ultra‑low‑field and portable MRI

Emerging low‑field MRI reduces power, shielding, and weight requirements to enable near‑point‑of‑care neuroimaging and soft‑tissue assessment where conventional MRI is impractical.

Digital radiography and AI image analysis

Portable DR panels, real‑time image stitching, and machine‑learning algorithms accelerate fracture detection, pneumothorax identification, and triage prioritization.

Image fusion, tele‑radiology, and decision support

Cloud and edge‑compute solutions enable secure image transfer, expert remote reads, and integrated clinical decision support for evacuation and surgical planning.

Importance to Military Medicine

Combat casualty care and rapid lifesaving decisions

Imaging identifies hemorrhage, tension pneumothorax, occult fractures, and intracranial injury to guide immediate interventions.

Prolonged and distributed care

Portable modalities extend diagnostic reach during delayed evacuation, enabling monitoring and treatment decisions over days to weeks.

Austere environments and readiness

Rugged, low‑logistics imaging preserves force health, limits medical evacuation burden, and maintains operational readiness.

Force health protection and civilian benefits

Advances translate to rural, disaster, and emergency civilian care—amplifying DoD investments with broad public health impact.

Alignment with the MTEC Mission

Accelerates transition of validated imaging technologies to field use, shortening timelines from prototype to clinical deployment.

Integrates multidisciplinary partners—industry, academia, and military clinicians—to solve operationally driven problems.

Prioritizes dual‑use solutions that strengthen force readiness while delivering civilian healthcare benefits.

Supports standards, validation studies, and regulatory pathways needed for rapid, safe field adoption.

Dual-Use (Military + Civilian) Applications

Prehospital and point‑of‑injury triage (FAST, chest US, portable X‑ray, field CT).

Prolonged monitoring of traumatic brain injury, hemorrhage progression, and wound/soft tissue assessment.

Remote consultation, tele‑radiology, and evacuation prioritization supported by secure image transfer and AI flags.

Force health surveillance, expeditionary clinics, and civilian disaster response leveraging the same platforms.

Explore MTEC Members with Imaging (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray) Capabilities

MTEC members bring diverse strengths—portable imaging vendors, AI developers, academic validation sites, and military clinical partners—enabling integrated solutions tailored to operational constraints.

Collaborations accelerate regulatory strategy, clinical studies, and deployment pathways. Explore member profiles to identify partners with field‑proven products and research capabilities.

91 Members with Imaging (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray) capabilities.

Member
The University of Texas System

The University of Texas System is a leading public university system in the United States, dedicated to improving lives through education, health care, and research. With over 256,000 students enrolled across 14 institutions, the UT System is committed to providing affordable access to higher education and producing a skilled workforce to drive Texas's economy.

Member
Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is a vibrant institution with over 26,100 students across three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. The university offers 132 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, emphasizing student success, community impact, and research excellence. With a commitment to inclusivity and engagement, Georgia Southern fosters a supportive environment for diverse learners, including military-affiliated and adult students. The university is dedicated to transforming lives through education and community engagement, aligning its programs with regional needs. Additionally, Georgia Southern provides accelerated pathways for students to fast-track their master's degrees, enhancing educational opportunities. The university also emphasizes career readiness and public impact research, preparing students for successful careers and contributing to community development.

Member
The University of Texas at San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research, teaching, and community engagement. As a premier public research university, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a catalyst for socioeconomic development, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

Member
Auburn University

Auburn University Research & Economic Development is dedicated to advancing research and economic growth through a collaborative effort among its various colleges and departments. The organization focuses on fostering innovation, supporting faculty and student research, and facilitating partnerships with industry and government to address societal challenges and enhance the quality of life. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Team Science Series to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station to address coastal environmental challenges.

Member
Sonogen Medical Inc.

Sonogen Medical Inc. is dedicated to researching, developing, and commercializing next-generation ultrasonic bone fracture healing technology. The company combines expertise in fluid mechanics, biophysics, sonar, and medical ultrasound to create safe and effective devices for bone healing.

Member
Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I³R) at University of Arkansas

The Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I³R) at the University of Arkansas is dedicated to pioneering solutions to wicked problems and societal challenges through convergence research. With a mission to advance research excellence and stimulate economic development, I³R focuses on deploying innovations at scale through collaboration across various sectors, including academia, industry, and government.

Member
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

UTMB is dedicated to supporting research, education, and scholarly endeavors, with a focus on creating the future of healthcare through innovative research and community engagement.

Member
The University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is a prestigious urban research university committed to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom. Founded in 1890, it has produced numerous Nobel laureates and is known for its transformative education and groundbreaking research across various fields. The university fosters an inclusive and diverse learning environment, encouraging participation from all community members.

Member
Boston University

Boston University is a major research institution committed to leading breakthroughs across various disciplines. The Office of Research supports and advances research excellence, fostering collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and government leaders to address significant societal challenges.

Member
Baylor University

Baylor University is a preeminent Christian research university committed to addressing the world's most meaningful challenges through top-tier research and scholarship. Recognized as an R1 research institution, Baylor focuses on infusing its distinct Christian mission into its research initiatives, fostering a commitment to excellence and innovation.

Member
TRI Medical, Inc.

TRI Medical, Inc. develops and supplies educational simulation models and training services to enhance the diagnostic and manual skills of healthcare professional students and new graduates. The company focuses on providing real-time, psychomotor feedback tools for medical education programs and healthcare organizations, aiming to improve confidence, self-efficacy, and diagnostic accuracy prior to clinical practice.

Member
Moonrise Medical

Moonrise Medical is dedicated to developing AI-enabled ultrasound technology aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular diseases, particularly focusing on conditions like Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU). Their innovative approach seeks to enhance wound healing and prevent amputations through accurate and timely vascular assessments.

Member
The University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute

The UT Arlington Research Institute (UTARI) specializes in applying cutting-edge technologies to real-world engineering problems. Our collaborative endeavors reflect a commitment to excellence, integrity, and respect for all, bringing economic growth and fulfillment to our families, business partners, university, and community.

Member
Kromek Group plc

Kromek Group plc develops advanced detection technologies for radiological, nuclear, and biological threats using Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) solid-state detectors. The company offers manufacturing and R&D for high-resolution gamma and neutron detectors, networked and wearable monitoring devices, and automated pathogen detection platforms. Its solutions serve the civil nuclear, medical, environmental, defense, and public health sectors worldwide, enhancing safety, operational efficiency, and health security.

Member
Smith+Nephew

Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology company focused on the repair, regeneration, and replacement of soft and hard tissue. The company aims to restore people's bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. With a commitment to medical education and improving patient outcomes, Smith+Nephew operates in over 100 countries and is dedicated to sustainability and community health. Their purpose is to promote health and wellbeing, not just through their products but also by ensuring a positive impact on society and the environment. Smith+Nephew is also committed to increasing diversity within the medical device industry through initiatives like the Orthopaedics for All global advisory board.

Member
Kitware

Kitware is dedicated to delivering innovation through advanced technical computing, state-of-the-art AI, and tailored software solutions. Founded in 1998, the company emphasizes an open-source philosophy, fostering collaboration and transparency to solve complex scientific challenges. Kitware is committed to advancing scientific understanding and improving technology through its extensive expertise in various domains, including AI and deep learning.

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NIRSense

Rugged Physiological Monitoring for the Modern Warfighter: NIRSense

Under MTEC-21-10-NavyMultiTopic, NIRSense is advancing its tactical jet physiological monitoring technology for broader Navy applications. The project focuses on ruggedized, wireless physiological sensors that can provide reliable, real-time insight into warfighter health and performance in demanding operational environments.

Safi Biotherapeutics

Next-Generation Manufactured Red Blood Cells for Extended Battlefield Blood Supply: Safi Biotherapeutics

Safi Biotherapeutics is developing manufactured red blood cells (mRBCs) with extended shelf life to improve battlefield transfusion readiness and emergency trauma care.

Non-Invasive Glymphatic (GF) Monitoring and Recovery Optimization for Warfighter Cognitive Readiness

Applied Cognition is developing non-invasive glymphatic monitoring and recovery technologies to enhance warfighter cognitive readiness, resilience, and sleep recovery.

Moberg Analytics

Moberg Analytics – Advanced Brain Monitoring & Critical Care Informatic

Moberg’s platform unifies brain monitoring data for faster, precise treatment of severe brain injuries in military and civilian care.

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