MRI System Facilitates Access to 3-Tesla Technology for Hospitals, Clinics

A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner is characterized by both excellent imaging and a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to typical scanners in a similar product range.

With the introduction of the Magnetom Spectra MRI system, Siemens Healthcare (Erlangen, Germany) is expanding its 3-Tesla product range. Due to Magnetom Spectra’s cost-effective price, it eases access to the 3-Tesla technology for hospitals and radiologic institutes. Excellent image quality and fast scan times are the benefits of 3-Tesla imaging technology. The new scanner is equipped with technologies designed to ensure efficient and easy operation. It will be available on the market in the second half of 2012. The expanded offering of cost-optimized systems is part of Agenda 2013, an initiative of Siemens Healthcare geared at boosting its competitiveness.

“The Magnetom Spectra developed by Siemens is an MRI scanner that will enable many radiologists to utilize 3-Tesla imaging for the first time, so they can benefit from the excellent image quality and high performance,” said Axel McKenna-Küttner, MD, associate radiologist at the Joint Practice of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (Frankfurt, Germany) and head of its radiology department in Bad Nauheim, Germany, where the system is already undergoing evaluation.

The new scanner employs Tim (Total imaging matrix) 4G technology, the latest Siemens coil generation. This modern array structure allows for a high spatial and temporal resolution. For that reason, and because of the good signal-to-noise ratio, Tim 4G provides excellent image quality. Until now, images of similar quality could only be generated by 3T high-end systems from the Siemens product range, which require a higher investment. Therefore, the Magnetom Spectra gives even private radiology practices, imaging centers and clinics the chance to benefit from high imaging quality for their clinical routine in spite of tight budgets and intense time pressure.

Besides the purchase price, an additional focus on reducing TCO are the operating costs of the new MRI scanner. Magnetom Spectra has a low energy consumption compared to common 3-Tesla scanners.

Furthermore, the helium used to cool the magnet is contained in a closed loop. The expensive gas does not escape and therefore does not need to be refilled. Moreover, various components help users simplify the process of MRI examinations. For example, the cable-less direct-connect coils allow for quick and easy setup. Up to 120 coil elements can be combined together in a flexible manner. Thus, even large scans with large anatomical coverage, up to wholebody scans (205 cm), can be performed in a single examination without having to reposition the patient or the coils. Therefore, such scans can be performed in much less time.

Magnetom Spectra can be used for a wide range of applications, from diagnosing damaged cartilage in the ankle to dynamic examinations of the abdominal area and functional imaging of the brain. To reduce the intricacy of MRI exams, the scanner is equipped with Siemens’ MRI workflow solution Dot (Day optimizing throughput), which allows an easy and quick selection of the best scan strategy, based on the patient’s condition and the clinical indication. Users are guided through the examination step-by-step, and decision-making aids are offered at critical junctures, supporting consistent and reproducible scans across patients. Due to the Tim and Dot technologies, high-quality images can be generated in less time.

Launched in November 2011, Agenda 2013 is a two-year global initiative to further strengthen the healthcare sector’s innovative power and competitiveness. Specific measures will be implemented in four fields of action: innovation, competitiveness, regional footprint, and people development.

The product is still under development and not yet commercially available.

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