CHRISTUS Health becomes first in region to invest in portable MRI for bedside imaging

In a significant advancement for patient care, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi – Shoreline has become the first hospital in the Coastal Bend region to acquire and implement a portable MRI, bringing advanced imaging directly to patients’ bedsides and making care more accessible for critically ill and immobile patients.

The Swoop system is a portable MRI designed for brain imaging that eliminates the need to transport patients to traditional imaging suites. By bringing advanced imaging directly to the bedside, the technology supports a more integrated approach to care, allowing physicians and clinical teams to diagnose and treat patients more quickly while enhancing comfort and safety.

“We are committed to providing our community with innovative technology that improves the patient experience and clinical outcomes,” said Anthony Garcia, director of radiology at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi - Shoreline. “This portable MRI helps us deliver more accessible, reliable and personal care by bringing critical imaging services directly to our patients when and where they need them most.”

Inside the patient’s room, the portable MRI is positioned at the head of the bed, where the patient’s head is gently placed into the imaging receiver. Images are uploaded in real time and made immediately available to physicians and care team, helping accelerate decision-making for time-sensitive conditions.

“This technology allows for a more seamless and integrated care experience,” Garcia said. “By reducing the need to move patients throughout the hospital, we can improve efficiency, strengthen patient safety and ensure our clinicians have reliable access to critical diagnostic information.”

The portable MRI is expected to benefit a wide range of patients, particularly those receiving neurological and stroke care, where rapid imaging can play a vital role in treatment decisions and outcomes.

“When every minute matters, having imaging available at the bedside can make a meaningful difference,” Garcia said. “It allows us to respond faster, begin treatment sooner and provide a more personal experience for patients and their families.”

The addition of this technology reflects CHRISTUS Health’s ongoing commitment to investing in innovative technology that expands access to care and improves outcomes throughout South Texas.

“Everything about this technology is centered on the patient,” said Reyaan Ali, president of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi - Shoreline. “It reinforces our mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care while ensuring the latest medical innovations remain accessible to the communities we serve.”