Siemens is trying to bring 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging to budget limited hospitals and clinics with the introduction of the MAGNETOM Spectra MRI. The system uses the company’s latest Tim (Total imaging matrix) 4G coil technology that delivers high spatial and temporal resolution that was previously available only in more expensive, high-end scanners.
Siemens plans on making the new scanner available in the second half of this year.
Features and more info about the Spectra from the press release:
- Tim 4G RF technology with DirectRF
- Best-in class 3T image homogeneity with TimTX TrueForm
- Easy and streamlined workflow with Dot
- Fast break even due to optimum TCO (Total cost of ownership)
- Low installation cost through small footprint and fast installation
Besides the purchase price, a further commitment to 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 costly gas does not escape and therefore does not need to be refilled. In addition, 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 whole-body scans (205 centimeters), 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 broad spectrum 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 complexity of MRI exams, the scanner is equipped with Siemens’ MRI workflow solution Dot (Day optimizing throughput), which allows an easy and fast 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.
Product page: MAGNETOM Spectra 3T