New MR Technology Offers Increased Flexibility and Reduced Scanning Times

A new 1.5-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system combines Tim (total imaging matrix) 4G and Dot (day optimizing throughput) technology. Tim 4G provides flexibility with 48 channels and lightweight, cableless coils that can be integrated to support large anatomic coverage. Dot ensures exam strategies are personalized for every user, based on patient condition and clinical indication.

Royal Bournemouth Hospital (UK), part of the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS [National Health Service] Foundation Trust, has installed a Magnetom Aera system from Siemens Healthcare (Erlangen, Germany). The system is replacing another from Siemens, and it is being used for a number of examinations such as neuroimaging, orthopedics, cardiac, oncology, and angiography.

The hospital expects the system’s short acquisition times and customized workflows to shorten scanning times and maintain consistently high image resolution levels. Dot optimizes the patient examination strategy, automating the steps needed to get a high quality scan.

“Our previous system had eight channels whereas the Aera has 48, significantly improving the signal generated by the coils. This will help to reduce scan times and increase throughput without compromising on image quality,” said Matthew Benbow, superintendent radiographer at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. “The Aera has replaced a system that took 12 minutes to conduct a routine lumbar spine scan, which now takes just seven minutes to do the same examination.”

“With its wide bore, mood light features and detachable table, the Aera will help make examinations and the clinical environment more comfortable for patients,” said Paul Vaughan, regional sales manager at Siemens Healthcare. “The combination of advanced Tim and Dot technology will assist with workflow at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, making procedures more convenient for radiographers and allowing a greater number of patients to be seen.”

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Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Siemens Healthcare