MR System Offers Better Image Quality for Advanced Applications

December 20, 2010 – A magnetic resonance (MR) system with high slew rate gradients and a new user interface is pending 510(k) approval and was announced at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting. The Vantage Titan HSR 1.5T MR, by Toshiba, is ideal for exams, such as advanced cardiac and neuro imaging, that require higher image quality and faster exams.

The high slew rate gradients (gradient strength 30 [mT/m] | slew rate 203 [mT/m/ms]) improve the capability for advanced cardiac and neuro applications as well as magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) body, breast and abdominal imaging. They also improve temporal and spatial resolution and the ability for clinicians to make accurate diagnoses. The M-Power interface has new efficiency tools as well as advanced post-processing software, enhancing department workflow.

The system also features an open bore that is 18 percent larger than other 1.5T systems on the market and features a large 71 cm patient aperture and outstanding homogeneity. It also has the largest available clinical field-of-view of 55 x 55 x 50 cm.

The system is an enhancement to the Vantage Titan and therefore includes numerous patient-focused features that significantly improve comfort and increase the range of patients who can be imaged. The open bore provides a greater feeling of openness for the patient, and Pianissimo technology dramatically reduces acoustic noise. It also utilizes Atlas Speeder integrated coil technology to reduce exam time. Since the coils are integrated into the table, patients do not need to be continually repositioned. Additionally, many procedures can be performed feet first, reducing claustrophobia.

The system also takes advantage of Toshiba’s contrast-free MRA techniques. Gadolinium, the most common contrast agent used for MRI and MRA exams, has been directly linked to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD). NSF and NFD can be fatal in patients with renal insufficiency

For more information: www.medical.toshiba.com