Philips launches mobile 3.0T MRI system with automatic adjustment to the patient

17 June 2010

Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) has introduced the world’s first mobile 3.0T MRI system with MultiTransmit — automatic adjustment to the patient's size and shape.

The Achieva 3.0T TX Mobile MRI system brings advanced MRI diagnostic capabilities to patients who previously may not have had access otherwise.

Built with the same imaging technology as the stationary Philips 3.0T TX system and outfitted with the same amenities and staff as an in-house MRI suite, the Achieva 3.0T TX Mobile is fully transportable in a 48-foot trailer.

"The beauty of Achieva 3.0T TX Mobile is that several different healthcare facilities can rent it at any given time because of its ability to travel, ultimately helping to solve patient overflow issues in large University and teaching hospitals”, said Conrad Smits, CEO for MRI, Philips Healthcare. "In addition, it is also ideal for healthcare facilities who do not have the resources to build or add onto their own MRI suites or who want to sample the imaging service provided by advanced 3.0T MultiTransmit technology."

The system has the same ease of use and set-up time as many 1.5T scanners, but with the higher resolution and clarity that was once only available in sophisticated research institutions. The mobile unit also includes active magnetic shielding, permitting the light-weight high field magnet to be transported in the trailer.

The MultiTransmit feature, Philips’ patient-adaptive parallel transmit RF technology, utilizes multiple radiofrequency transmission signals to automatically adjust to each patient's unique size and shape. Previously, radiologists using 3.0T imaging faced the challenge of dielectric shading, a non-uniform radiofrequency distribution in the body that affected image quality. The MultiTransmit technological innovation delivers enhanced image contrast uniformity, and consistent 3.0T imaging to mainstream radiology.

The UK medical charity COLBALT, purchased the first system. One of their many aims is to facilitate screening for cancer operating within the three counties of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Peter Sharpe, CEO of COBALT, said, "We believe that the system’s greater field of view and excellent image uniformity provided by MultiTransmit technology will allow us to expand the range of patients for whom we can provide a 3.0T imaging service. It should also enable us to offer a regular service for standard MR referrals, not only providing higher quality images but also greater patient throughput"