A major theme for MRI scanner vendors at RSNA this year is scanning with less audible noise. GE may have started this trend last year with the introduction of its Silent Scan technique. At the time of its introduction, however, it was limited to simple T1 and PD sequences, so completely silent exams were not possible at that time. Over the course of this year, GE has expanded the range of silent MRI sequences to include MRA, T2 and FLAIR, now enabling a fully silent basic neuro exam.
This all is now available as the Silent Neuro Exam Package on GE’s most recent scanners. Besides T1, T2, FLAIR and PD weighted sequences, the localiser scans and pre-scans have also been made silent. Although GE is still very tight-lipped about the exact underlying technologies, Silenz (as it is called) uses gradients continuously, but without rapidly switching them on and off which normally causes most of the noise. Also, a very short echo time, in the order of several microseconds versus traditionally many milliseconds, is employed, improving image quality and signal from all tissues of interest. All sequences are 3D isotropic and have sound levels that are within 3db of the ambient conditions.
Flashback: GE Unveils Virtually Silent MRI Technology at RSNA (VIDEO)
Product page: GE Silent Scan…