CE Approval Announced for First 7T MRI Scanner

A major medical imaging equipment provider has announced CE Mark (Conformité Européenne) approval of a new Ultra-High-Field (UHF) 7-T MRI scanner.

The new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner provides more detail for neurological, and Musculoskeletal (MSK) precision medicine applications in the clinical environment.

The Dual-Mode Magnetom Terra scanner was developed by Siemens Healthineers (Erlangen, Germany), and is intended both for clinical and research applications. According to Siemens, the scanner could potentially become a significant platform for translational research.

The scanner has a high spatial and spectral resolution, and can provide detailed insights into the human MSK system, metabolic processes in the brains, and help visualize epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and other neurological diseases. According to Siemens, brain lesions will be easier to identify using the higher resolution, and improved image contrast of the Magnetom Terra scanner. The Magnetom Terra scanner is currently pending US FDA 510(k) approval.

SVP and GM of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging group at Siemens Healthineers, Dr. Christoph Zindel, said, "Thanks to our long-standing commitment and experience with ultra-high-field MRI as well as our extensive innovation network of collaboration partners around the world, we are now establishing 7T imaging in the clinical routine with Magnetom Terra. Having now gained approval for clinical use, we are expanding the scope of diagnostic MRI – 15 years after 3T scanners first became established. With this new clinical field strength, we can achieve a new level of detail in anatomy and function, helping further pave the way for precision medicine. I am convinced that Magnetom Terra will help grow the footprint of 7 Tesla in research and clinical application, allowing us to further explore new territories in MRI."