Malvern, PA & Coon Rapids, MN, 24 May 2007: Siemens Medical
Solutions (www.usa.siemens.com/medical)
recently installed the 400th MAGNETOM Espree™
at Suburban Imaging - Coon Rapids (Minnesota), where the system will support
the entire imaging network of seven facilities in the Twin Cities area.
“We are excited
about our new Espree since we now will be able to offer high quality
abdominal organ imaging, spine and Breast MRI, as well as all types of MRA
to patients who could not be imaged with the traditional closed bore system
due to claustrophobia and body habitus limitations,”
said Aaron Binstock, M.D., Body Radiologist and Assistant Medical Director,
Suburban Imaging - Coon Rapids. “This new magnet
gives us all the luxuries of an open magnet with the high-quality images and
speed of a state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla closed bore system.”
The MAGNETOM Espree was designed with obese
or claustrophobic patients in mind. The system’s
bore opening is nearly 2.3 feet in diameter – the
first and only 70-centimeter bore in the industry. Other bore magnets
typically have internal diameters of 60 centimeters. Espree provides an
average of one foot of space above the patient’s
head which is about twice that of vertical field open magnets. The MAGNETOM
Espree’s magnet is approximately four feet long
– the shortest in the industry. Many exams can be
completed with the patient’s head outside of the
bore, dramatically reducing anxiety and claustrophobia fears that occur in
long-tube, closed bore systems.
“Imaging
facilities have embraced the Espree because it meets the clinical needs they
face every day,” said Nancy Gillen, vice
president, MRI Division, Siemens Medical Solutions. “The
Espree’s superb ability to both accommodate
patients physically and to provide the high speed and image quality of 1.5T
MRI helps facilities provide patients an MRI exam that produces high-quality
images even with larger patients.”
The MAGNETOM Espree provides up to a four
times greater signal-to-noise ratio compared with traditional open MRI
designs. The added field strength is beneficial when imaging larger
patients. At 1.5T, the MAGNETOM Espree can perform advanced clinical
applications – including angiographic,
neurological and cardiac procedures – in less
time, because it combines strong gradient performance with Siemens’
patented Tim® (Total
imaging matrix) technology. Tim is the first seamless whole-body surface
coil design that combines up to 102 integrated coil elements with up to 32
independent radiofrequency (RF) channels, providing clinicians the
flexibility to place coils together in any combination for multi-region
exams, all in a single patient set-up.
Tim technology enables flexible coil
combinations to encompass local high resolution imaging to large anatomical
coverage up to 81 inches. Other systems require the radiologist to change
coils and reposition the patient three times for a whole central nervous
system or whole-body MRI procedure. Tim also enables the use of integrated
Parallel Acquisition Techniques (iPAT) in all body regions, reducing
examination times. As a result, image quality is increased by up to 100
percent higher signal-to-noise ratio and acquisition times are shortened.
The MAGNETOM Espree also requires a small
footprint of only 323 square feet to install the system. Since the magnet is
water-cooled, the Espree can easily be installed in an office environment or
even small private practice medical facilities.
About Suburban Imaging
Suburban Imaging offers state-of-the-art
outpatient imaging services at seven locations in the Twin Cities area.
Suburban Imaging utilizes the latest advancements in medical imaging
equipment to ensure diagnostic consistency and accuracy, and to provide the
best possible care to the patient. In addition to MRI services, Suburban
Imaging offers CT, ultrasound, PET/CT, spinal and joint injections, bone
densitometry, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, and X-ray services. The
professional staff at Suburban Imaging works with the surrounding clinics
and healthcare providers to deliver accurate reports within 24 hours of the
examination. The staff and radiologists at Suburban Imaging strive to
achieve quality care, satisfaction, and a comfortable experience for each
patient served.
About Siemens Medical Solutions
Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE:SI)
is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the
healthcare industry. 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. Recent acquisitions in the area of in-vitro
diagnostics – such as Diagnostic Products
Corporation and Bayer Diagnostics – mark a
significant milestone for Siemens as it becomes the first full service
diagnostics company. Employing more than 41,000 people worldwide and
operating in over 130 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of
8.23 billion EUR, orders of 9.33 billion EUR and group profit of 1.06
billion EUR for fiscal 2006 (Sept. 30). Further information can be found by
visiting
www.usa.siemens.com/medical-pressroom.
