April 23, 2009 - Philips Healthcare has placed the first Achieva 3.0T TX magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, featuring Philips’ MultiTransmit technology that automatically adjusts the RF signal to a specific patient’s anatomy, at Tokai University in Tokyo, Japan, Bonn University in Bonn, Germany and Fletcher Allen in Burlington, Vermont.
These sites will utilize the Achieva 3.0T TX for procedures including breast MR, spine imaging and abdominal cases. Before, 3.0T imaging had been challenged for certain clinical procedures due to dielectric shading effects and local specific absorption rates (SAR). With Philips’ new, proprietary, MultiTransmit technology addresses these issues at the source with multiple RF transmission signals that automatically adapt to each patient’s unique anatomy.
“MultiTransmit enables 3T MRI spine exams to be done approximately 30-40 percent faster,” said Dr. W.A. Willinek, Bonn University Hospital. “MultiTransmit technology provides consistent results in all anatomies since challenges of imaging at high field are now addressed at the source. Even in patients with ascites, MultiTransmit provides us with excellent signal uniformity.”
Additionally, Bonn University Hospital will present papers on the MultiTransmit technology at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) annual meeting (April 18-24, 2009).
The Achieva 3.0T TX, unveiled at RSNA 2008, is designed to enhance image quality, provide greater scanning speed and help ensure fewer retakes through increased image uniformity, and to do so across a broad range of clinical applications and patient sizes.
For more information: www.medical.philips.com/us