New Empa Cable Technology Supports Combined MRI and Neurostimulation Applications Without Interference

Many metallic objects such as cables can fly through the air or become uncomfortably hot in an MRI scanner. Image: Adobe Stock

(IN BRIEF) Empa has developed polymer-based, MRI-compatible electrode cables in collaboration with Swiss company TI Solutions AG, addressing long-standing safety and performance challenges associated with using conductive materials inside MRI scanners. By replacing traditional copper wiring with polymer fibers coated in an ultra-thin silver-titanium layer, the cables provide precisely controlled conductivity that enables reliable signal transmission without heating or imaging interference. Designed for durability and long-term stability, the cables have been successfully tested and manufactured using scalable industrial processes. The innovation supports advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, including EEG and temporal interference brain stimulation during MRI scans, and is now progressing toward pilot applications and potential industrial production.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜBENDORF, 21-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — EMPA researchers have developed a new generation of MRI-compatible cables that overcome one of the most persistent challenges in medical imaging: safely combining magnetic resonance imaging with diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that require electrical connections. Working within an Innosuisse-supported collaboration with Swiss medical technology company TI Solutions AG, the research team has created polymer-based electrode cables that operate reliably inside MRI scanners without overheating or disrupting image quality.

Magnetic resonance imaging is widely used to generate highly detailed images of organs and tissues, enabling clinicians and researchers to detect inflammation, injuries, and early-stage tumors. The technology relies on extremely strong magnetic fields and radio-frequency signals, which makes the presence of metallic materials problematic. Conventional metal cables can heat up during scans, potentially causing burns, and may also interfere with imaging signals. These risks limit the use of complementary techniques such as electroencephalography, electrocardiography, and advanced brain stimulation methods during MRI procedures.

The new cable consists of bundled polymer fibers with a thin metal coating. Image: Empa

The challenge becomes especially pronounced when patients must wear electrodes inside the scanner. These electrodes require cables to transmit signals to external measurement devices, and standard copper wiring is poorly suited for MRI environments. To address this limitation, researchers at Empa’s Advanced Fibers laboratory in St. Gallen developed an alternative cable design that replaces solid metal conductors with bundles of polymer fibers coated with an ultra-thin metallic layer.

Led by researcher Dirk Hegemann, the team focused on achieving a carefully controlled level of electrical conductivity. The cable needed to transmit signals effectively while remaining low enough in conductivity to avoid interaction with MRI radio waves. This balance was achieved by applying a thin coating composed of silver and titanium to the polymer fibers. Silver provides efficient signal transmission, while titanium reduces overall conductivity and enhances resistance to corrosion. Together, the two metals create a stable, durable coating suited for long-term medical use.

Durability was a key requirement alongside electrical performance. The cables needed to withstand repeated mechanical stress from handling and connection cycles, as well as maintain stable conductivity over time. After testing roughly a dozen coating combinations and deposition methods, the silver-titanium layer emerged as the most reliable solution. Long-term testing over a one-year period confirmed that the cables’ electrical properties remained largely unchanged.

The metallic coating, measuring less than half a micrometer in thickness, was applied using magnetron sputtering, a well-established industrial process compatible with scalable roll-to-roll production. Empa has already manufactured approximately one kilometer of coated polymer fibers to produce early cable prototypes.

For TI Solutions AG, which specializes in electrodes and systems for EEG-based monitoring and temporal interference brain stimulation, the development opens new possibilities. The MRI-compatible cables allow researchers to observe the effects of temporal interference stimulation directly within the brain during MRI scans, enabling a level of insight that was previously difficult to achieve safely.

The Innosuisse project reached its conclusion in 2025, but collaboration between Empa and TI Solutions continues. Empa remains involved in supporting prototype development and initial sampling phases, while TI Solutions evaluates early applications and prepares for potential industrial-scale production. If the cables perform as expected in real-world medical and research settings, the technology is expected to move into full commercial manufacturing.

Further information

Dr. Dirk Hegemann
Empa, Advanced Fibers
Phone +41 58 765 72 68
dirk.hegemann@empa.ch

Editor / Media Contact

Anna Ettlin
Communications
Phone +41 58 765 47 33
redaktion@empa.ch

SOURCE: EMPA