Beijing Key Laboratory for Advanced Medical Imaging Approved to Boost Domestic Innovation

According to China News Weekly, a Beijing Key Laboratory focusing on innovative transformation of advanced superconducting magnetic resonance (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) medical equipment has been officially recognised by the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and Zhongguancun Administrative Committee. Led by Wandong Medical under Midea Healthcare, the laboratory brings together Zhongke Magnetic Control and three top Beijing hospitals to drive breakthroughs in high-end medical imaging technology.

The establishment marks a key milestone in Wandong Medical’s pursuit of independent innovation in high-end medical equipment and adds momentum to Beijing’s development as an international science and technology innovation hub. The laboratory targets core challenges in advanced medical imaging, prioritising helium-free superconducting MRI and ultra-widebody high-speed CT. Research focuses on helium-free magnet integration, contactless cardiovascular gating, AI-driven scanning and reconstruction, ultra-wide detector assembly, X-ray tube manufacturing and high-power generator inversion, aiming to develop and industrialise fully indigenous high-end imaging systems. These priorities align with national industrial plans and Beijing’s strategic focus on high-tech sectors.

Clinically, the laboratory targets transformative outcomes. Helium-free MRI will enable cardiac scans without electrode attachment and allow patients to breathe freely during imaging. Ultra-widebody CT will capture full-heart images in a single heartbeat, eliminating the need for strict heart rate control and delivering high-resolution results. These advances address long-standing clinical challenges in non-invasive, high-precision cardiac examinations.

Unlike single research institutions or manufacturers, the laboratory integrates technology development, system integration, clinical validation and industrial translation. Wandong Medical leads system integration and mass production; Zhongke Magnetic Control, supported by an academician team, underpins core helium-free magnet technologies; three top hospitals provide clinical requirements, scenario adaptation and efficacy validation, forming a complete chain from R&D to application.

The laboratory’s team comprises 114 researchers, over 80% holding doctoral or master’s degrees, with core experts bringing extensive experience in MRI systems, CT algorithms, high-voltage generators, AI and clinical medicine, including backgrounds at global medical leaders.

Wandong Medical has previously led major national and provincial projects, including a Ministry of Industry and Information Technology platform for medical device material application. It has achieved domestic breakthroughs in helium-free MRI, CT detectors and high-voltage generators, with its helium-free MRI system listed in a national catalogue for high-end medical equipment promotion.

Moving forward, Wandong Medical will accelerate core technology development and translation through the new laboratory, advancing its “product leadership” strategy. The laboratory will support the self-reliance of high-end medical equipment and Beijing’s international innovation goals, bringing advanced domestic imaging technology to patients.