July 31, 2012 — Siemens Healthcare announced that the Magnetom Spectra 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The latest addition to Siemens’ portfolio of MRI solutions, the Magnetom Spectra system offers premium imaging at a reduced total cost of ownership when compared to other scanners in the product range. Designed for easy and efficient operation, the cost-optimized Magnetom Spectra system is innovative and competitive, two primary goals of Siemens Healthcare’s Agenda 2013 two-year global initiative.
“Siemens Healthcare is proud to offer the Magnetom Spectra MRI system, which opens the door to 3.0T imaging technology for a wider range of healthcare facilities,” said Ioannis Panagiotelis, Ph.D., vice president of MR, Siemens Healthcare. “The Magnetom Spectra delivers crisp, high-resolution images that provide the key to a new level of usability and diagnostic confidence for physicians.”
The Magnetom Spectra system employs Tim (Total imaging matrix) 4G technology, Siemens’ latest coil generation. This modern array structure allows for high spatial and temporal resolution; previously, images of similar quality could only be produced by 3.0T systems that require a higher investment.
The system also consumes less energy than other 3.0T scanners. The magnet-cooling helium is contained in a closed loop, preventing the gas from escaping and reducing the need for costly refills. In addition, various system components help technologists simplify the MRI examination process. For example, the cableless direct-connect coils allow for simple and quick setup, with up to 120 coil elements capable of being combined in a flexible manner. For this reason, even scans with large anatomical coverage up to whole-body scans (205 cm, or 80.71 inches) can be performed in one examination without patient or coil repositioning.
The Magnetom Spectra system can be used for a broad spectrum of applications, from diagnosing damaged ankle cartilage to conducting dynamic abdominal examinations and performing functional brain imaging. To reduce exam complexity, the system is equipped with Siemens' MRI workflow solution Dot (Day optimizing throughput), which enables easy, fast selection of the best scan strategy based on the patient's condition and the clinical indication. Users benefit from step-by-step guidance throughout the examination, receiving decision-making assistance at critical junctures to support consistent, reproducible scanning across patients.
For more information: www.siemens.com/healthcare