Penn State Health introduces advanced MRI technology that reduces anesthesia time

HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health is now using a cutting-edge imaging technology that significantly reduces the time patients spend under anesthesia during MRI scans — with especially meaningful benefits for children. Due to generous support from Children’s Miracle Network and the local community, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has implemented Deep Resolve, an AI-powered image reconstruction software developed by Siemens Healthineers.

Deep Resolve uses deep learning to generate faster, sharper and clearer MRI images. By accelerating scan times, the technology helps minimize the duration of anesthesia — a critical improvement for pediatric patients, whose developing bodies are more sensitive to sedation.

“Reducing anesthesia time is a game-changer for children,” said Anita Krivenko, chief MRI technologist at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “It means less risk, less stress and a more comfortable experience for our youngest patients and their families.”

Since its installation in April, Deep Resolve has transformed the way MRI scans are performed at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. Radiologists initially validated the software’s accuracy by comparing it to standard imaging protocols. The results were so promising that approximately 90% of pediatric MRI scans now rely solely on Deep Resolve — and families are already seeing the benefits.

On average, scan times are shortened by seven to 10 minutes per exam. For example, a knee MRI can now be completed in just seven minutes, while the duration of more complex scans — such as brain imaging — can be reduced by up to 70%. This not only shortens anesthesia time but also decreases the likelihood of repeat scans due to patient movement, which is especially helpful for children experiencing pain or anxiety.

In some cases, Deep Resolve has eliminated the need for anesthesia altogether. With support from the hospital’s Child Life team — which specializes in preparing and comforting children during medical procedures — many young patients can now complete their MRI scans while fully awake.

While the technology was introduced with a focus on pediatric care, Deep Resolve is also being used for adult patients at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, improving comfort, reducing repeat scans and increasing access to care across all age groups. Faster imaging means more patients can be seen each day, helping streamline services and reduce wait times.

Penn State Health is rolling out Deep Resolve Technology across most of its MRI units. Eight scanners across the health system will soon feature this advanced technology.

Children’s Miracle Network provided funding for Deep Resolve. CMN supports life-saving equipment, essential patient programs and innovative research to improve care for children in the communities served by Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.

“We’re incredibly grateful to our donors and community partners,” said Katie Anderson, director of Children’s Miracle Network. “Their support allows us to bring state-of-the-art technology like Deep Resolve to our hospital, ensuring that children receive the safest, most advanced care possible – right here at home.”

The Children’s Hospital is the first hospital in central Pennsylvania to offer Deep Resolve technology.

To learn more about how donor support is helping transform care for children and families, visit www.cmnhershey.org.

About Penn State Health

Penn State Health is an integrated academic health system serving patients and communities across 15 counties in central Pennsylvania. It employs more than 19,600 people systemwide. The system includes Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital and Penn State Cancer Institute based in Hershey; Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center in Enola; Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill; Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center in Lancaster; Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading; Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, a specialty provider of inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services, in Harrisburg, and 2,418 physicians and direct care providers at 186 outpatient practices. Additionally, the system jointly operates various health care providers, including Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Hershey Outpatient Surgery Center, Hershey Endoscopy Center, Lancaster Orthopedic Group and the Surgery Center of Lancaster. In 2017, Penn State Health partnered with Highmark Health to facilitate creation of a value-based, community care network in the region. Penn State Health shares an integrated strategic plan and operations with Penn State College of Medicine, the University’s medical school.

About Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is a nonprofit organization affiliated with 170 children’s hospitals including Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. Local donations to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) fund equipment, patient programs and pediatric research at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital, which is the top-rated and most comprehensive children’s hospital between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, fully equipped to treat the most severely ill or injured children with both the highest-level neonatal intensive care unit and a Level I pediatric trauma center. CMN’s mission is to save kids’ lives and improve their quality of care.

About Philanthropy at Penn State

Gifts advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni, faculty, and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.