Image courtesy of Elekta
January 22, 2015 — A major factor limiting the scope of magnetoencephalography (MEG) programs worldwide has been the cost and availability of the liquid helium needed to operate these advanced brain mapping systems. With its zero-helium boil-off technology, the Elekta Neuromag Triux nearly eliminates the need for liquid helium refills. Elekta introduced the helium recycling technology at the American Epilepsy Society Meeting, Dec. 5-9 in Seattle.
The cost and availability of helium has soared in recent years as a result of supply shortages and the privatization of strategic helium reserves in the United States. The spot market price of helium has more than doubled in many countries, including the United States, to well over $38 per gallon [3.78 liters] and, at times, as much as $113 per gallon. The zero-helium boil-of technology could potentially save more than 1,300 gallons (5,000 liters) of liquid helium each year on a single system.
MEG is based on the detection of very weak magnetic fields that originate from electrical activity within the brain. MEG functional mapping is used to evaluate epilepsy and to perform pre-surgical mapping of visual, auditory, somatosensory, motor cortex and language functional areas. MEG also has been employed to study the neural basis of developmental disorders, psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, memory, attention, emotion, language and social cognition.
For more information: www.elekta.com
August 21, 2026 
