Philips introduces Ingenia digital broadband MRI system
10 Dec 2010
Philips has introduced the Ingenia MRI system, the first to
use digital broadband to improve the quality of the image. It delivers
exceptional image clarity, scanning efficiency and scalability.
MRI uses radio frequency (RF), audio frequency and static
magnetic fields to visualize detailed structures within the human
body. Until now, all MRI systems have utilized analog components for
the signal acquisition and processing needed to generate patient
images. However, the use of analog components during these processes
has limited the upper reaches of image clarity and quality.
The Ingenia MR system introduces, for the first time in MRI,
digital signal acquisition and processing directly in the RF receive
coil nearest to the patient. By digitizing the signal directly in
the RF receive coil and maintaining the digital connection
throughout the entire MRI scanning process, Ingenia is able to
generate up to a 40% improvement in signal-to-noise ratio.
Improving signal-to-noise ratio enables the delivery of crisp
image clarity that clinicians need to help make informed decisions
possible for a wider range of clinical procedures, including
traditional applications like neuro and musculoskeletal and
fast-growing applications like body and cardiac.
The Ingenia MR system incorporates an integrated, hidden
posterior coil enabling full body coverage and eliminating the need
to place multiple connecting coils around various parts of the body.
This approach eliminates unnecessary prep time while offering each
patient a more comfortable patient experience regardless of their
unique imaging needs.
When utilizing an Ingenia system, clinicians will find they spend
significantly less time on the logistics related to patient set-up,
contributing to as much as a 30% increase in throughput. Ingenia is
available in 1.5T and 3.0T magnetic strength versions to accommodate
varied imaging needs.
“Image quality is a top priority, but it is only part of
practicing excellent medicine. There is increasing pressure to be as
fully optimized as possible and in a busy hospital environment,
there simply isn’t much time to worry about process optimization,"
said Hans-Peter Busch, MD, director of radiology for Krankenhaus der
Barmherzigen Brüder hospital in Trier, Germany.
“The Ingenia MR system optimizes workflow by completely
eliminating or reducing time consuming steps like coil and patient
manipulation. Compounded over time, this makes a real difference in
terms of efficiency — in addition to being more comfortable for the
patient."
Ingenia’s increased performance provides a reliable,
patient-friendly approach for oncology imaging, staging and
treatment assessment. Ingenia brings whole body oncology staging and
follow-up to the clinical mainstream by delivering fast and simple
solutions allowing anatomical fusion with diffusion datasets for
robust clinical results at both 1.5T and 3.0T.
Ingenia’s digital capabilities also overcome the scalability
limitations typical of analog based systems. Similar to the
transition from limited channel analog television to unlimited
channel digital broadband HD television, the digital signal
acquisition and transmission capability of Ingenia is independent of
the number of channels.
Unlike fixed channel analog systems, users can add new and future
clinical applications, which may require higher channel coils, in an
easy and cost-effective way. In addition, if a higher channel coil
is required for a clinical procedure, Ingenia’s channel independent
architecture is capable of performing the exam without requiring
expensive hardware and software upgrades to the MRI system. This
gives hospitals the flexibility they need to stay on the clinical
cutting edge, now and in the future.
“At Philips we believe that meaningful innovations start with the
patient,” said Saragnese. “MR is continuing to expand its role with
applications for every part of the body and the Ingenia system is
taking the lead with smart, reliable tools for better image quality
and shorter exam times, which can lead to increased diagnostic
confidence and a simpler patient and clinician experience overall.”