Transforming Pediatric Imaging with MAGNETOM Aera and MAGNETOM Skyra MRI Systems

Signal-to-noise is an issue in pediatric* MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations are especially challenging when applied to the pediatric population. The unique technical challenges are related to signal-to-noise (SNR), as pediatric protocols tend to require a small field of view (FoV), high resolution and fast acquisition times. Each of these individually will reduce SNR.  

MAGNETOM Aera and MAGNETOM Skyra have successfully addressed these challenges — thanks to Tim + Dot technologies

As the innovator of 70 cm open bore design, Siemens Healthcare delivers systems that allow you to take maximum advantage of the 70 cm bore. Patient comfort is important, and the 70 cm open bore systems help children relax. Siemens has the broadest portfolio of open bore systems. (www.usa.siemens.com/openmri)

Tim 4G technology provides improved SNR. The standard system configuration of 48 RF channels and 204 coil elements creates an imaging matrix that allows maximum use of coil elements at full FoV without ever running out of RF channels. Tim 4G combines ultra-high density coils — for example, the Body 18 with Spine 32 combine to make a 30-channel abdominal coil that supports parallel imaging capabilities.

Direct RF — fully digital RF transmit and receive

The MAGNETOM Aera and MAGNETOM Skyra offer Direct RF, a fully digital radiofrequency (RF) chain that both transmits and receives digitally. “All digital-in, digital-out” design eliminates noise influences, which further helps to increase SNR.

Highest standard RF receive chain

The RF chain is a fundamental building block for all MRI exams. Knowing your RF chain specifications can put the power of your system into perspective. Siemens offers the highest basic RF configuration [elements x RF channels]:

• [204 x 48] standard

• [204 x 64] option

• [204 x 128] option(Note: for MAGNETOM Skyra only)

Tim 4G coils: A generation ahead

With minimum electronics, Tim 4G features lighter, trimmer coils that take up less space inside the magnet. This higher coil element density delivers a high SNR and higher iPAT factors, and is compatible with both GRAPPA- and SENSE-based iPAT techniques.

Siemens' unique Tim coils allow more flexible scanning positions. Not all patients, such as those with compromised breathing, kyphosis or Paget’s disease, can lie flat on their backs during an MRI exam. With Tim coils, you have the freedom and flexibility to use unique scanning positions (e.g., on a patient’s side) and still obtain the image quality you need for high clinical confidence. In addition, Tim allows full use of parameters (iPAT, Fat Sat, diffusion, etc.) in these positions for high-quality images that provide referring physicians with the information they need to manage their cases.

The Dot (day optimizing throughput) engine helps provide improved diagnostic confidence and image consistency through new features like auto align, auto FoV and auto bolus detection. The introduction of strategies and guidance can help improve productivity by up to 50%* (data on file).  www.usa.siemens.com/dot

Value that goes beyond the open bore

Not every 70 cm open bore MRI offers the clinical flexibility available with the MAGNETOM Aera and Skyra. Many advanced standard sequences, such as 3D SPACE for T1W, T2W and PD 3D imaging, BLADE for reducing motion artifacts and REVEAL for diffusion imaging outside the brain, can be used throughout the body with all coils and in combination with iPAT (Parallel Acquisition Techniques) for robust clinical utility.

Body diffusion (syngo REVEAL)

Siemens’ standard syngo REVEAL is an echo planar imaging (EPI)-based technique for acquiring diffusion images throughout the body. Siemens’ standard REVEAL offers several benefits. First, it is compatible with iPAT during acquisition. syngo REVEAL also allows extrapolation of images with additional b values without extending acquisition time through the standard user-interface. Higher b values provide increased sensitivity and specificity of lesions. syngo REVEAL is recommended for use as a complementary sequence to your standard protocols, only adding a couple of minutes to the entire examination, but improving your diagnostic confidence. syngo REVEAL is useful in liver, pancreas, pelvis, breast, lymph node assessment, whole-body metastases evaluation and in many more applications.

Thanks to Tim technology, multi-step whole-body diffusion can be done easily without repositioning the patient or the coils. View a case study about how MAGNETOM Aera supported tumor staging for the treatment decision in a case of Wilm’s Tumor.

* MR scanning has not been established as safe for imaging fetuses and infants under two years of age. The responsible physician must evaluate the benefit of the MRI examination in comparison to other imaging procedures.