Imaging innovations offer 30% more productivity

Siemens has introduced its latest innovations in MRI at RSNA. The Magnetom Aera 1.5 Tesla and Magnetom Skyra 2 Tesla systems have been designed to transform productivity and improve the patient experience.

The company also presented its Tim (Total imaging matrix) technology along with the new Dot (Day optimising throughput) engine. Tim supplies the power needed for image quality while Dot takes away the complexity inherent in MR scanning. The Aera and Skyra are the first scanners to incorporate both new technologies.

The company claims that the 70cm open bore design of both MRI systems accommodates a large variety of patient sizes, shapes and conditions. An open appearance helps to reduce sedation rates, minimises stress for claustrophobic patients and leads to higher throughput and more referrals.

The super-short magnets enable many studies to be completed with the patient’s head outside the bore while still supporting a full 50cm Field of View (FoV) (45 cm in z-direction). An illuminated MoodLight cover on both systems also allows the user to select the colour of the front panel.

The company said that Tim 4G offers a completely redesigned RF system and a new coil architecture that packs more coil elements into a smaller space (up to 204 coil elements with 48 channels as standard configuration), unlocking the possibility of higher element configurations and higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

The result is high-resolution imaging that maintains its quality even when zooming in on multi-station images. With up to 128 channels, Tim provides enough channels to use ultra-high density coils, said the company.

Jane Kilkenny, product manager of MR at Siemens Healthcare, said: “Fast, efficient workflow solutions are vital in healthcare environment. The latest version of our Tim technology, combined with the new Dot engine will deliver faster, more efficient throughput for up to 30 % more productivity per day.”