Cook Medical and Siemens Healthineers Debut Integrated Interventional MRI Suite at SIR 2026
Key highlights
- Cook Medical and Siemens Healthineers unveiled the fully integrated Interventional MRI Suite at SIR 2026.
- iMRI enables a minimally invasive interventional practice ideal for precise soft tissue imaging, tumor targeting, biopsy and future ablation therapies, representing the future of radiation-free, image-guided care.
- Attendees at SIR 2026 got to explore the suite, hear from expert interventional radiologists, learn more about the Cook and Siemens Healthineers partnership and listen to panels about the future of iMRI.
Bloomington, Ind. — Cook Medical and Siemens Healthineers unveiled the integrated Interventional MRI (iMRI) Suite at the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting in Toronto. The collaboration brings together advanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, MR-conditional interventional devices and clinical workflow solutions designed to support minimally invasive procedures in an ionizing radiation-free environment. The unveiling marks a key milestone in the companies’ multi-year effort to advance MRI-guided intervention from concept to clinical reality.
The iMRI Suite provides a comprehensive framework for MRI-guided procedures. The solution combines imaging technology, purpose-built interventional devices, suite planning guidance and clinical education designed to support hospitals adopting MRI-guided interventions. The iMRI ecosystem will use SIR’s VIRTEX, a clinical data registry and analytics platform, to capture data, support continuous learning and help develop evidence-based protocols. The iMRI Suite is a turnkey solution that will give physicians more options for minimally invasive procedures that benefit from superior soft-tissue visualization and a radiation-free environment.
Attendees at SIR 2026 had the opportunity to meet world-renowned clinicians that are advancing clinical care with the newest interventional radiology (IR) techniques. Visitors at the booth got a sneak peek of Cook’s innovative pipeline of products, explored the physical suite environment, participated in demonstration sessions and heard from leading interventional radiologists discussing the emerging role of MRI-guided intervention. The discussions centered on these main topics:
- Procedures that could benefit from real-time MRI guidance, particularly soft-tissue and oncology interventions, such as biopsies and ablations, as well as pediatric and cardiac indications
- Workflow considerations for MRI-guided procedures
- Integration of Cook’s MR-conditional interventional devices with the MAGNETOM Free.XL MRI system from Siemens Healthineers
The iMRI advisory board also discussed the ongoing development of iMRI Centers of Excellence, which are leading academic institutions collaborating with Cook Medical and Siemens Healthineers to advance research, clinical protocols and physician training in MRI-guided intervention. Most recently, Indiana University was named a Center of Excellence in the US. The advisory board will continue planning collaborations with high-profile research facilities across the US and Europe.
Keep up with the latest iMRI developments by following Cook Medical’s iMRI Division page on LinkedIn.
Quotes
“The iMRI Suite is more than a technology; it’s a fundamental shift in how we approach intervention. By bringing together advanced imaging, purpose-built devices, and integrated workflows, we are enabling physicians to see more, treat with greater precision, and ultimately deliver better outcomes without exposing patients or care teams to radiation,” said Peter Polverini III, vice president of Cook Medical’s iMRI divison.
“MRI offers unique advantages for image-guided intervention, particularly for procedures involving soft tissue. Through our collaboration with Siemens Healthineers and leading clinicians, we are working to advance the development of radiation-free interventional approaches,” said Pete Yonkman, president of Cook Medical and Cook Group.
“At Siemens Healthineers, it is our goal to elevate health globally. Magnetom Free.XL is designed to unlock the full potential of MR in the interventional suite, expanding the imaging toolbox by matching the right modality to the right patient at the right time”, said Andreas Schneck, head of Magnetic Resonance at Siemens Healthineers.
About iMRI
MRI provides exceptional soft-tissue visualization and eliminates exposure to ionizing radiation. While MRI has traditionally been used for diagnostic imaging, advances in device design and workflow are enabling its use in minimally invasive procedures. The iMRI Suite was developed to support this transition by creating an integrated environment for MRI-guided interventions.
In September 2025, Cook Medical’s iMRI division and Siemens Healthineers joined forces with leading strategic partners to deliver a fully integrated iMRI Suite. Cook brings procedural, device and training expertise, while Siemens brings world-leading imaging technology. Together, the companies are continuing a multi-year journey aimed at transforming interventional medicine by establishing the iMRI suite as the gold standard for precision, radiation-free procedures.
FAQs
What is Interventional MRI (iMRI)?
Interventional MRI (iMRI) refers to minimally invasive procedures performed using real-time MRI guidance. Unlike traditional interventional imaging modalities such as CT or fluoroscopy, MRI provides superior soft-tissue visualization and does not use ionizing radiation. This enables physicians to target certain tissues more precisely while avoiding radiation exposure for both patients and healthcare providers.
What is the iMRI Suite?
The iMRI Suite is an integrated procedural environment designed to support MRI-guided interventions. The solution combines Siemens Healthineers MRI imaging technology with Cook Medical’s interventional experience and compatible devices, along with suite planning guidance, clinical training and workflow support. The goal is to help hospitals implement MRI-guided procedures safely and efficiently.
What types of procedures could benefit from MRI-guided intervention?
MRI guidance may be particularly valuable for procedures involving soft-tissue structures where visualization is critical. Examples include biopsy and ablation procedures in organs such as the liver, kidney and prostate, as well as certain interventional oncology and pediatric applications. Clinical adoption will continue to evolve as physicians explore new use cases.
About Cook Medical
At Cook Medical, we are passionate about making unique, quality medical devices and connecting with people to improve lives. Founded on inventing, manufacturing, and delivering medical devices, we provide healthcare professionals with the tools they need to help their patients return to living.
Our commitment to innovation involves bringing new products to market and keeping existing products relevant to a changing healthcare landscape. We believe in using our business to help people and communities thrive by creating inclusive, supportive, and healthy environments.
We are proud of our history of innovative firsts and the impact we have on patients and communities. With headquarters in Bloomington, Indiana, and manufacturing facilities and offices in various global locations, we challenge ourselves to maintain a global perspective while focusing on local impact.
Follow Cook Medical at CookMedical.com and on LinkedIn.
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