Technology | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | November 29, 2015

Applications help speed image acquisition, improve standardization across Siemens' fleet of MRI systems

New Brain MR Efficiency Applications
 New Brain MR Efficiency Applications

Siemens’ 510(k) pending GOBrain MRI application enables five-minute, clinically validated brain examinations with multiple orientations and all relevant contrasts. Image/courtesy Massachusetts General Hospital and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging


November 29, 2015 — At the 101st Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), Siemens Healthcare introduced new applications designed to drastically reduce the time needed for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of the brain. These new applications help increase patient throughput and potentially reduce costs per scan.

Brain scans account for roughly 20 to 25 percent of all MRI examinations, and fast examinations are essential for maintaining efficient workflow. The number of brain MRI examination is expected to grow in 2016, with an expected 45 million brain exams worldwide.

Siemens’ new Simultaneous Multi-Slice (SMS) application employs an innovative technique to acquire imaging slices simultaneously rather than sequentially – reducing 2-D acquisition times by up to a factor of 8. The length of advanced brain examinations can vary considerably, and now MR brain scans can be reduced to times compatible with the clinical routine (e.g., up to 68 percent for diffusion tensor imaging, or DTI). These advanced techniques will be applicable to patients with limited tolerance for longer scan times, such as geriatric or pediatric patients. SMS may be particularly beneficial in brain surgery cases through surgical mapping, potentially helping to reduce post-surgical deficits, and ultimately leading to improved efficiency in the utilization of OR resources.

Another new application, GOBrain, enables clinically validated brain examinations in just five minutes. Facilitated in part by Siemens’ high-channel density coils and the company’s DotGO MRI scanning software, the clinically essential image orientations and contrasts are acquired at the push of a button. Patient throughput is improved, and costs per scan can potentially be reduced. Shorter scan times are better tolerated by patients and can help reduce potentially costly and time-consuming rescans as well as potentially reduce sedation. 

In addition to speed and quality, standardization across systems is also important for hospitals in meeting healthcare efficiency demands. With its syngo MR E11 software platform, Siemens introduces a uniform application platform for its Magnetom family of MR systems. The first systems to feature syngo MR E11 will be the Magnetom Aera 1.5T and Magnetom Skyra 3T systems. The focus, in addition to expanding the application offering, is achieving consistency across the entire fleet of scanners and managing them effectively. A single consistent user interface, as well as intuitive protocol optimization enabled by the DotGO scanning software, further aids users in providing standardization and reproducibility.

The syngo MR E11 software platform and applications are also designed for Siemens’ Biograph mMR positron emission tomography (PET)/MR scanner. New BodyCompass technology is designed to enable motion-free PET images with MR-based motion compensation beyond gating, which could be particularly beneficial in delineating abdominal and lung lesions, which are prone to motion.

The SMS and GOBrain applications are currently pending U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) approval. syngo MR E11 for Biograph mMR is currently under development.

For more information: www.siemens.com


Related Content

News | PET-CT

July 31, 2024 — In a head-to-head comparison with FDG PET/CT, FDG PET/MRI demonstrated comparable or superior diagnostic ...

Time July 31, 2024
arrow
Feature | Computed Tomography (CT) | By Melinda Taschetta-Millane

In the ever-evolving landscape of medical imaging, computed tomography (CT) stands out as a cornerstone technology ...

Time July 30, 2024
arrow
Videos | Radiology Business

Find actionable insights to achieve sustainability and savings in radiology in this newest of ITN’s “One on One” video ...

Time July 30, 2024
arrow
Feature | Radiology Business | By Christine Book

Across the healthcare industry, and, notably, throughout the radiology community in just the past few years, the focus ...

Time July 26, 2024
arrow
Feature | Mobile C-Arms | By Melinda Taschetta-Millane

Mobile C-arms continue to revolutionize medical imaging, offering versatility, mobility and real-time visualization ...

Time July 26, 2024
arrow
News | Radiology Business

July 25, 2024 — Immunis, Inc., a clinical-stage biotech developing groundbreaking secretome therapeutics for age and ...

Time July 25, 2024
arrow
News | Radiology Business

July 25, 2024 — The radiology gender gap is decreasing, but there remains work to be done, according to an editorial ...

Time July 25, 2024
arrow
News | RSNA

July 23, 2024 — Professional registration is open for RSNA 2024, the world’s largest radiology forum. This year’s theme ...

Time July 23, 2024
arrow
News | Artificial Intelligence

July 23, 2024 — Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that an artificial intelligence (AI) model ...

Time July 23, 2024
arrow
News | Radiology Business

July 17, 2023 — The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Research and Education (R&E) Foundation Board of ...

Time July 17, 2024
arrow
Subscribe Now