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 ;Siemens Healthcare launched MAGNETOM Aera 1.5 Tesla and MAGNETOM Skyra 3 Tesla MRI systems

Today’s healthcare environment is facing increasing difficulties with less staff, less reimbursement and less time.  To power productivity, Siemens Healthcare has launched two new MRI systems and an innovative software tool for the pre-processing of clinical images.

The MAGNETOM Aera 1.5 Tesla and MAGNETOM Skyra 3 Tesla MRI systems boast faster, more efficient patient throughput with the potential to gain 30 per cent more productivity per day.  Tim (Total imaging matrix) technology supplies power for the generation of superb image quality and Dot (Day optimising throughput), a new workflow engine, offers guidance and automated workflows, helping standardise complex MRI exams irrespective of patient condition or radiographer resource level available.

syngo.via is the innovative new software solution for multi-modality image reporting.  It pulls together clinical images for interpretation and automatically pre-processes according to condition-specific requirements in one click.  This reduction in manual steps boasts time efficiencies of in excess of ten minutes per case and promotes greater diagnostic confidence.  It also optimises cost ownership inside the health environment and delivers continuous return on investment.

The ‘Automated Case Preparation’ feature of syngo.via automatically loads images into the appropriate application and sorts them into the corresponding layout, pre-processed according to disease-specific requirements.  This eliminates the need to manually choose the application, load data and select the corresponding layouts.  Its ‘Case Navigator’ function assists with structured workflow by categorising various workflow steps and aligning the proper images to each corresponding step.  For example, in an MRI whole-body case, the image series is automatically structured into layouts and workflow steps and sorted according to body regions, reducing the need to manually search and sort data.  During the reading process, findings and measurements can also be tracked and listed with the ‘Findings Navigator’ for recalling various results with just one click.  The software then automatically integrates the finding into a tailored and context-specific report, enabling users to access and share images and results quickly.

“syngo.via is an exciting solution for today’s health economy and well positioned to support the NHS’ QIPP agenda.  As an innovation software application it works with existing multi-modality medical equipment to improve patient throughput and clinical interpretation, which in turn enhances the quality and productivity of the service delivered to patients,” states Ronan Kirby, Image & Knowledge Management Business Manager at Siemens Healthcare.

The Aera and Skyra incorporate the latest version of Siemens’ unique Tim technology.  Tim 4G features a redesigned RF system and new innovative coil architecture that packs more coil elements into a smaller space, unlocking the possibility of higher element configurations and higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).  This results in high-resolution imaging that maintains its quality even when zooming in on multi-station images.  With up to 128 channels, Tim also provides enough channels to use ultra-high density coils plus enables increased resolution and a total FoV of up to 205cm with no coil or patient repositioning.

Both new MRI systems have a 70cm Open Bore design to accommodate a variety of patient sizes and conditions and the open appearance helps reduce sedation rates by minimising anxiety for claustrophobic and paediatric patients.  The Dot workflow engine integral to both systems offers real-time guidance to steer the user, step-by-step through even the most complicated exams, providing instant help, how-to descriptions and example images.

Jane Kilkenny, MR Product Manager at Siemens Healthcare states, “We have entered an innovative time for MRI imaging and applications.  Pressures on the health service demand that imaging solutions streamline workflow and at the same time enhance the patient experience.  Skyra and Aera will ensure that staff resources are better utilised, even in complex cardiac cases, and that more patients can be seen.  This in turn has the potential to boost revenue for a Trust or independent healthcare provider.”

Source: Siemens Healthcare