ERLANGEN, Germany, September 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Medical Solutions has introduced the world's first 1.5 Tesla open
bore magnetic resonance imaging system: with its compact length of only 125
cm and expanded 70 cm bore diameter, Magnetom Espree offers design dimensions
previously seen only in computed tomography systems. As a result, this new,
open modality combines patient comfort with the image quality and diagnostic
certainty of high-field systems. Equipped with Tim (Total imaging matrix)
technology, Espree provides an enhanced spectrum of applications to a broader
circle of patients.
With its new magnet design, the Magnetom Espree offers more space for patients than conventional "open" systems. For more than 60 percent of examinations, the patient's head remains outside the scanner - a significant benefit to claustrophobic patients. With a bore opening of 70 cm in diameter, the average distance between a patient's head and the magnet is 30 cm. At the same time, the Magnetom Espree is the only 1.5 Tesla scanner that provides enough room for obese patients. The exceptionally short and open magnet design was achieved by optimizing and integrating the individual MR components, such as the magnet, gradient system, integrated body coil, and receiver electronics.
The signal-to-noise ratio is four times higher than that achieved with traditional open MRI designs, which significantly improves examinations of obese patients: the combination of strong gradient performance and Tim technology enables applications for this patient group that were previously not possible with open scanners. The revolutionary matrix coil concept is at the core of Tim technology: 76 coil elements can be combined with up to 32 RF channels [76x32]. With its flexible coil combination, this Siemens technology produces ideal examinations, even with a compact magnet, and enables high-resolution images with short examination times. The Tim receiver coils are very light, making them both easy to position and comfortable for the patient.
"All patients deserve the same access to high quality MRI technology. This imaging method is used in the diagnosis of and treatment planning for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, diabetes, as well as cardiac and vascular diseases - all of which affect obese patients," said Dr. Heinrich Kolem, Head of the Magnetic Resonance Group at Siemens Medical Solutions. "The open MRI systems previously on the market could not keep up with today's high-field standard for image quality. Our new Magnetom Espree MRI system is in a league of its own. It offers greater patient comfort and high-field quality diagnostic images."
Magnetom Espree will be presented to the European public for the first time at Medica 2004 (November 24 - 27, 2004) in Düsseldorf. With the introduction of the Magnetom Espree, Siemens Medical Solutions now offers three different 1.5 Tesla systems (Magnetom Avanto and Magnetom Symphony), and can support the individual requirements of university clinics, hospitals, and radiologists in private practice worldwide. Low-field and Ultrahigh-field MRI systems complete the product spectrum.
Pictures accompanying this press release may be found in the Internet under http://www.siemens.com/med-pictures/espree
Siemens Medical Solutions is one of the largest suppliers to the healthcare industry in the world. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. From imaging systems for diagnosis, to therapy equipment for treatment, to patient monitors to hearing instruments and beyond, Siemens innovations contribute to the health and well-being of people across the globe, while improving operational efficiencies and optimizing workflow in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and doctors' offices. Employing approximately 31,000 people worldwide and operating in more than 120 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 7.4 billion EUR, orders of 7.8 billion EUR and group profit of 1,1 billion EUR for fiscal 2003. Further information can be found under: http://www.siemens.com/medical
Siemens AG
With its new magnet design, the Magnetom Espree offers more space for patients than conventional "open" systems. For more than 60 percent of examinations, the patient's head remains outside the scanner - a significant benefit to claustrophobic patients. With a bore opening of 70 cm in diameter, the average distance between a patient's head and the magnet is 30 cm. At the same time, the Magnetom Espree is the only 1.5 Tesla scanner that provides enough room for obese patients. The exceptionally short and open magnet design was achieved by optimizing and integrating the individual MR components, such as the magnet, gradient system, integrated body coil, and receiver electronics.
The signal-to-noise ratio is four times higher than that achieved with traditional open MRI designs, which significantly improves examinations of obese patients: the combination of strong gradient performance and Tim technology enables applications for this patient group that were previously not possible with open scanners. The revolutionary matrix coil concept is at the core of Tim technology: 76 coil elements can be combined with up to 32 RF channels [76x32]. With its flexible coil combination, this Siemens technology produces ideal examinations, even with a compact magnet, and enables high-resolution images with short examination times. The Tim receiver coils are very light, making them both easy to position and comfortable for the patient.
"All patients deserve the same access to high quality MRI technology. This imaging method is used in the diagnosis of and treatment planning for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, diabetes, as well as cardiac and vascular diseases - all of which affect obese patients," said Dr. Heinrich Kolem, Head of the Magnetic Resonance Group at Siemens Medical Solutions. "The open MRI systems previously on the market could not keep up with today's high-field standard for image quality. Our new Magnetom Espree MRI system is in a league of its own. It offers greater patient comfort and high-field quality diagnostic images."
Magnetom Espree will be presented to the European public for the first time at Medica 2004 (November 24 - 27, 2004) in Düsseldorf. With the introduction of the Magnetom Espree, Siemens Medical Solutions now offers three different 1.5 Tesla systems (Magnetom Avanto and Magnetom Symphony), and can support the individual requirements of university clinics, hospitals, and radiologists in private practice worldwide. Low-field and Ultrahigh-field MRI systems complete the product spectrum.
Pictures accompanying this press release may be found in the Internet under http://www.siemens.com/med-pictures/espree
Siemens Medical Solutions is one of the largest suppliers to the healthcare industry in the world. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. From imaging systems for diagnosis, to therapy equipment for treatment, to patient monitors to hearing instruments and beyond, Siemens innovations contribute to the health and well-being of people across the globe, while improving operational efficiencies and optimizing workflow in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and doctors' offices. Employing approximately 31,000 people worldwide and operating in more than 120 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 7.4 billion EUR, orders of 7.8 billion EUR and group profit of 1,1 billion EUR for fiscal 2003. Further information can be found under: http://www.siemens.com/medical
Siemens AG
© 2004 PR Newswire
