Home Removal The most powerful MRI in the world. Which MRI machine is best? Duration of examination of one body area

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The most powerful MRI in the world. Which MRI machine is best? Duration of examination of one body area

Modern medicine I can no longer imagine existing without magnetic resonance imaging, but due to the availability of a wide range of equipment, it is difficult to understand which MRI device is best to use in a particular case. Computer diagnostics provides information regarding organs and tissues being diagnosed. After the examination, the specialist receives an informative and accurate report due to the high detail of the image, good resolution and the ability to obtain images in different planes. MRI is better than CT or X-ray because it is known to be safe due to the absence of negative gamma radiation.

The types of tomographs for MRI differ from each other, but in their design they have:

shielding systems;
sensors for receiving, processing and transmitting data;
coils of different frequencies;
magnet;
cooling system.

All pieces of equipment, regardless of the type of MRI machines, are highly technical equipment that only a specialist can handle. For example, the best one for today displays not only bones and tissues, but also blood vessels or the nervous system.

Types of tomography equipment

Initially, all types of diagnostic MRI devices can be divided into closed or, conversely, open. The first option is a horizontal ring-type pipe in shape, which is open only at two ends, from the legs and head.

There are open devices that are most often used for people who suffer from a fear of closed spaces and small children. The device is not closed on the sides.

MRI machines can also be divided by source magnetic field into 4 types:

superconducting;
resistive;
hybrid;
constant.

Each type of MRI scanner has its own unique characteristics, positive sides, disadvantages and is relevant for one or another diagnosis. An experienced technician must choose between a specific magnetic field source to obtain more accurate information.

The tomograph should be selected based on power depending on the organ being examined; the most common are 3 Tesla MRI devices

Power classification

Based on the tension between magnetic fields, medical tomographs can be divided into the following types:

ultra-low;
low-floor;
mid-field;
high-field;
ultra-high-field.

Among MRI devices, mid-field devices are more common. As for devices with ultra-high fields, they can only be found in specialized research laboratories. It's all their fault high level power, which often exceeds the best option at 3 Tesla and is potentially dangerous.

As for low-field systems, they can only be found in government-type medical institutions or those with poor funding. Even the best unit of this class will not give the same result as a mid-field one. This is due to the low signal-to-noise ratio, which is why the process of examining and obtaining data is very long. Although such devices also have an advantage - a reduced number of contraindications for use. Therefore, only a specialist should decide which device is best to conduct the examination.

Which MRI machine is better: open or closed?

It is impossible to clearly determine which MRI machine is better, closed or open type. As for the first resonance tomograph, it can be found more often in medical institutions. It has sufficient power, so it is relevant for conducting examinations of any type.

But such devices also have one drawback - the diameter of the annular part is approximately 70 cm, so such equipment is not suitable for people who are overweight; it is better for them to do MRI in open-type machines.

Such units are also not without advantages and are ideal for people with mental disorders(the same claustrophobia). Open tomograph. Adults who need an examination of a specific part of the body are also diagnosed there. In this case, there will be no unnecessary impact on other organs.

Which tomograph is better?

The purchase of an MRI machine must be approached with the utmost responsibility. When choosing a tomograph, you need to consider not only its cost, but also its technical functionality. First of all, you need to decide which types will be most relevant: open or closed type. Naturally, for installing the unit in a children's clinic, the first option would be better.

Don't forget about the power of the device. This selection criterion is very important, because it directly affects the quality of the resulting images. To diagnose serious illnesses, you need to look at more powerful units. However, in this case, the power of the device should not be higher than 3 Tesla; such devices are not used in clinical hospitals.

Based on the direction of the MRI, it is determined which device will do a better job of diagnosing a particular organ. A tomograph helps to identify serious pathologies and make the correct diagnosis at the initial stage. When choosing a specific device, it is very important not to make a mistake, because the final diagnostic result and many lives of patients depend on it, so it is better pay attention to the characteristics and power of the equipment:

MRI is a popular and reliable research technique internal organs. This diagnostic method is considered because it uses electromagnetic waves that do not harm the human body. For scanning, special devices called tomographs are used. The main components of the design of such devices are:

Software that receives and processes information;
Magnet;
Cooling system;
RF, gradient, shimming coils;
Protective screen.

There is a wide variety of MRI equipment with different characteristics. The question of which device is better and what is the difference between them is quite popular, it requires an answer.

Being difficult technical equipment, tomographs have a large number of features. The main ones include the following:

Type of device;
Magnetic field voltage;
Duration of scanning a specific area of the body;

A discussion of these characteristics will help you choose the appropriate type of magnetic resonance imaging device.

Closed or open

The main classification of MRI devices divides them into two types: open and closed tomographs.

A closed apparatus is a complex of a special moving table and a long pipe. The patient is positioned in this tube where the examination is performed.

This type of device has the following advantages:

Increased power (magnet field intensity from 1.5 to 3 Tesla), the ability to carry out more detailed and high-quality work;
Higher screening speed compared to an open device;
Resistant to unexpected patient movements.

The main disadvantages of closed devices are:

Inability to study patients with high weight;
Difficulties in examining patients with;
A complete ban on working with subjects who have electromagnetic or metal implants, prostheses, etc.

Open-type equipment includes tomographs with a working surface placed above the table with the patient. The only major difference is the upper location of the magnet. There is free space on the sides of the patient, which reduces anxiety and reduces noise.

Pros of open devices:

Ability to diagnose overweight people;
Comfortable conditions for studying children and people suffering from a fear of confined spaces;
Less dependence on foreign metal objects in the human body. They will only interfere if they are directly in the range of the diagnostic magnet;
Silence;
Lower cost.

Basic negative side low power and, as a consequence, difficulty in diagnosing small or mildly expressed formations or functional conditions.

The attending physician decides which device is best to use for MRI, after assessing all the prerequisites and contraindications. The difference between an open and a closed tomograph for a patient is purely in the field of psychology. It is easier for people suffering from claustrophobia to undergo the study on an open-type apparatus; patients without phobias will not notice any significant differences. For the specialist conducting the examination, the main thing is the accuracy of the data obtained, and in this indicator the tunnel tomograph has a significant advantage. For example, to conduct MRI of the brain, high-field and ultra-high-field scanning modes are used, which are not available for an open device.

Classification by magnetic field strength

Another sign of the classification of diagnostic MRI equipment is the magnetic field strength, measured in Tesla.

This parameter directly affects the resolution of the tomograph; the quality and information content of the examination depends on it.

Experts distinguish the following classes of equipment:

Low floor installations. The magnetic field strength does not exceed 0.5 Tesla. The information content of scanning on such devices is low, the resolution makes it possible to see only objects no smaller than 5–7 mm, and allows you to record only gross, pronounced pathology. Qualitative research of the brain or dynamic MR angiography is impossible here;
Mid-field devices with 0.5 - 1 Tesla are distinguished by their information content, which is not much higher than that of the first group, and therefore are not popular;
High-field installations show a field strength of 1 - 1.5 Tesla and are the most common type of devices offering optimal quality for relatively little money. Such tomographs distinguish pathologies up to 1 mm in size;
Ultra-high-field equipment with a voltage level of 3 Tesla makes it possible to conduct high-quality, cerebral circulation, carry out spectroscopy and tractography, obtain information not only about the anatomy of organs, but also about the functional indicators of the body.

Equipment Manufacturers

The main manufacturers of tomographs are Siemens and Philips corporations.

Siemens is a German concern founded in 1841, operating in the industries of electronics, power equipment, transport, medical equipment and lighting engineers. The corporation sells ten types of MRI machines, characterized by high efficiency, quality, safety and ease of maintenance. The corporation's solutions are used in clinics almost all over the world.

The second leading manufacturer of tomographs is Philips. It is a Dutch corporation operating since 1891 and focusing its efforts on the healthcare, lighting solutions and consumer goods industries. The holding occupies a leading position in the production of equipment for cardiology, home health care, emergency care and comprehensive diagnostics.

Philips devices are no less popular among doctors all over the world due to their gradient characteristics and Sence technologies.

Summarizing

Magnetic resonance imaging devices are complex technological complexes that have a number of characteristics that influence their choice as a diagnostic tool for patients. After analyzing the medical history and contraindications, the attending physician decides which tomograph is best for MRI in each specific case.

Closed devices make it possible to conduct deep and high-quality diagnostics of human organs. For example, for MRI of the brain, only high-field, or even better, ultra-high-field tunnel-type devices are used. However, they are expensive and are not suitable for overweight people or patients with phobias. Open or low-field devices are suitable in cases of analysis of gross pathology, when images with moderate organ visualization characteristics are sufficient for the doctor.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most modern diagnostic methods that allows you to study almost any system of the body. The most important characteristic MRI machine – magnetic field strength, which is measured in Tesla (T). The quality of visualization directly depends on the field strength - the higher it is, the better quality images, and, accordingly, the diagnostic value of MR examination is higher.

Depending on the power of the device, there are:

Currently, all major manufacturers produce MR scanners with a field of 3 Tesla, which differ little in size and weight from standard systems with a field of 1.5 Tesla.

Safety studies of MR imaging have shown no negative biological effects magnetic fields up to 4 Tesla, used in clinical practice. However, it should be remembered that the movement of electrically conductive blood creates electric potential, and in a magnetic field will create a slight voltage through the vessel and cause an elongation of the T wave on the electrocardiogram, therefore, when studying in fields above 2 Tesla, ECG monitoring of patients is desirable. Physical studies have shown that fields above 8 Tesla cause genetic changes, charge separation in liquids, and changes in permeability cell membranes.

Unlike the main magnetic field, gradient fields (magnetic fields perpendicular to the main, main, magnetic field) are switched on at certain time intervals in accordance with the chosen technique. Rapidly switching gradients can induce electrical currents in the body and lead to stimulation peripheral nerves, causing involuntary movements or tingling in the limbs, but the effect is not dangerous. Studies have shown that the threshold for stimulation of vital organs (for example, the heart) is much higher than for peripheral nerves, and is about 200 T/s. When the threshold value [rate of change of gradients] dB/dt = 20 T/s is reached, a warning message appears on the operator console; however, since the individual threshold may differ from the theoretical value, monitoring of the patient's condition is constantly necessary in strong gradient fields.

Metals, even non-magnetic ones (titanium, aluminum), are good guides electricity and radio frequency [RF] energy will become hot. RF fields cause eddy currents in closed loops and conductors, and can also create significant stress in extended open conductors (eg, rod, wire). Length electromagnetic waves in the body is only 1/9 of the wavelength in air, and the phenomenon of resonance can occur in relatively short implants, causing their ends to heat up.

Metal objects and external devices are usually mistakenly considered safe if they are non-magnetic and labeled as "MR-compatible". However, it is important to ensure that the objects being scanned within the working area of the magnet are immune to induction. Patients with implants are only eligible for MR examinations if the implants are both non-magnetic and small enough to generate heat during scanning. If the object is longer than half the RF wavelength, resonance may occur in the patient's body with high heat generation. Limit dimensions metal (including non-magnetic) implants are 79 cm for a field of 0.5 T and only 13 cm for 3 T.

Switching gradient fields creates a strong acoustic noise during an MR examination, the value of which is proportional to the amplifier power and field strength and regulatory documents should not exceed 99 dB (for most clinical systems is about 30 dB).

based on materials from the article “Possibilities and limitations of high-field magnetic resonance imaging (1.5 and 3 Tesla)” by A.O. Kaznacheeva, National Research University information technologies, mechanics and optics, St. Petersburg, Russia (magazine “Radiation diagnostics and therapy” No. 4 (1) 2010)

read also the article “Safety of magnetic resonance imaging - the current state of the issue” by V.E. Sinitsyn, Federal State Institution “Treatment and Rehabilitation Center of Roszdrav” Moscow (magazine “Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology” No. 3, 2010) [read]

MRI DURING PREGNANCY - IS IT SAFE?

Currently, MRI is a widely used method radiology diagnostics, which is not related to the use ionizing radiation, as in X-ray examination(including CT), fluorography, etc. MRI is based on the use of radiofrequency pulses (RF pulses) in a high-intensity magnetic field. The human body is composed primarily of water, made up of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. At the center of each hydrogen atom is a small particle called a proton. Protons are very sensitive to magnetic fields. Magnetic resonance imaging scanners use a constant, strong magnetic field. After the object under study is placed in the magnetic field of the tomograph, all its protons are aligned in a certain position along the external magnetic field, like a compass needle. An MRI scanner sends a radiofrequency pulse to the part of the body being examined, causing some protons to move from their original state. After the radio frequency pulse is turned off, the protons return to their previous position, emitting the accumulated energy in the form of a radio frequency signal, reflecting its position in the body and carrying information about the microenvironment - the nature of the surrounding tissue. Just as a million pixels form an image on a monitor, radio signals from millions of protons, after complex mathematical computer processing, form a detailed image on a computer screen.

However, certain precautions must be strictly observed when performing MRI. Potential hazards for patients and staff in MRI rooms may include factors such as:

Due to the “youth” of the technique and the small (worldwide) volume of accumulated safety data, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA) together with the World Health Organization impose a number of restrictions on the use of MRI due to possible negative effects strong magnetic field. The use of a magnetic field up to 1.5 Tesla is considered acceptable and absolutely safe, except in cases where there are contraindications for MRI (MRI scanners up to 0.5 Tesla are low-field, from 0.5 to 1.0 Tesla are mid-field, from 1.0 - 1.5 Tesla and more - high-field).

Speaking about long-term exposure to constant and alternating magnetic fields, as well as radio frequency radiation, it should be noted that there is no evidence of the existence of any long-term or irreversible effects of MRI on human health. Thus, female doctors and x-ray technicians are allowed to work during pregnancy. Monitoring of their health showed that no abnormalities were noted in their health or in their offspring.

When performing a magnetic resonance examination of women of childbearing age, it is necessary to obtain information about whether they are pregnant or not. There is no evidence of a harmful effect of magnetic resonance examinations on the health of pregnant women or the fetus, but it is strongly recommended that pregnant women undergo MRI only when there are clear (absolute) clinical indications, when the benefits of such an examination clearly outweigh the risks (even very low).

If there are only relative readings to conduct an MRI, doctors recommend abandoning this study in the first three months (up to 13 weeks of gestation, first trimester) of pregnancy, since this period is considered fundamental for the formation of the internal organs and systems of the fetus. During this period, both the pregnant woman and the child himself are very sensitive to the effects of teratogenic factors that can cause disruption of the process of embryogenesis. In addition, according to most doctors, during the first three months, photographs of the fetus are not clear enough due to its small size.

Moreover, during diagnostics, the tomograph itself creates a background noise and emits a certain percentage of heat, which can also potentially affect the fetus. early stages pregnancy. As stated above, MRI uses RF radiation. It can interact both with body tissues and with foreign bodies in it (for example, metal implants). The main result of this interaction is heating. The higher the frequency of RF radiation, the more heat will be generated, the more ions contained in the tissue, the more energy will be converted into heat.

The specific absorption rate - SAR (specific absorption rate), displayed on the device display screen, helps to evaluate the thermal effects of RF radiation. It increases with increasing field strength, RF pulse power, decreasing slice thickness, and also depends on the type of surface coil and the weight of the patient. Magnetic resonance imaging systems are protected to prevent the SAR from rising above a threshold that could result in tissue heating of more than 1°C.

During pregnancy, MRI can be used to diagnose pathology in either the woman or the fetus. In this case, MRI is prescribed based on ultrasound diagnostic data when certain pathologies in the development of the unborn child are identified. High sensitivity MRI diagnostics allows you to clarify the nature of the abnormalities and helps make an informed decision about maintaining or terminating the pregnancy. MRI becomes especially important when it is necessary to study the development of the fetal brain, diagnose malformations of cortical development associated with disruption of the organization and formation of brain convolutions, the presence of areas of heterotopia, etc. Thus, the reasons for performing MRI may be:

■ various pathologies of development of the unborn child;
■ deviations in the activity of internal organs, both of the woman herself and the unborn child;
■ the need to confirm the indications for artificial termination of pregnancy;
■ as evidence or, conversely, a refutation of a previously made diagnosis based on tests;
■ the inability to conduct an ultrasound due to the obesity of the pregnant woman or the inconvenient position of the fetus in the last stage of pregnancy.

Thus, in the first trimester of pregnancy (up to 13 weeks of gestation), MRI can be performed vital signs on the maternal side, since organo- and histogenesis has not yet been completed, and in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (after 13 weeks) the study is safe for the fetus.

In Russia, there are no restrictions on MRI in the first trimester, however, the WHO Commission on Ionizing Radiation Sources does not recommend any exposure to the fetus that could in any way affect its development (despite the fact that studies have been conducted , during which children under 9 years of age were observed and exposed to MRI in the first trimester of intrauterine development, and no abnormalities in their development were found). It is important to remember that the lack of information about negative impact MRI on the fetus does not completely exclude the harm of this type of examination for the unborn child.

note: pregnant [ !!! ] it is prohibited to perform MRI with intravenous administration MR contrast agents (they penetrate the placental barrier). In addition, these drugs are excreted in small quantities in breast milk, therefore, the instructions for gadolinium drugs indicate that when they are administered, breastfeeding should be stopped within 24 hours after administration of the drug, and milk secreted during this period should be expressed and poured out. .

Literature: 1. article “Safety of magnetic resonance imaging - current state of the issue” by V.E. Sinitsyn, Federal State Institution “Treatment and Rehabilitation Center of Roszdrav” Moscow; Journal "Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology" Volume 4 No. 3 2010 pp. 61 - 66. 2. article "MRI diagnostics in obstetrics" Platitsin I.V. 3. materials from the site www.az-mri.com. 4. materials from the site mrt-piter.ru (MRI for pregnant women). 5. materials from the site www.omega-kiev.ua (Is MRI safe during pregnancy?).

From the article: “Obstetric aspects of acute cerebrovascular disorders during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period(literature review)” R.R. Arutamyan, E.M. Shifman, E.S. Lyashko, E.E. Tyulkina, O.V. Konysheva, N.O. Tarbaya, S.E. Flocka; Department reproductive medicine and surgery FPDO Moscow State Medical and Dental University named after. A.I. Evdokimova; City Clinical Hospital No. 15 named after. O.M. Filatova; Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimatology, Faculty of Advanced Training of the Medical Sciences, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow (magazine "Problems of Reproduction" No. 2, 2013):

“Ionizing radiation is not used during MRI, and no harmful effects on the developing fetus, although long-term effects have not yet been studied. Recent guidelines published by the American Society of Radiology state that pregnant women can undergo MRI if the benefit of the test is clear and the necessary information cannot be obtained through safe methods (for example, using ultrasound) and cannot wait until the patient is pregnant. MRI contrast agents easily penetrate the uteroplacental barrier. There have been no studies on the removal of contrast agents from amniotic fluid, just as their potential toxic effect on the fetus is not yet known. It is assumed that the use of contrast agents for MRI in pregnant women is justified only if the study is undoubtedly useful for making a correct diagnosis in the mother [read source].”

From the article“Diagnostics of acute cerebrovascular accidents in pregnant women, postpartum women and women in labor” Yu.D. Vasiliev, L.V. Sidelnikova, R.R. Arustamyan; City Clinical Hospital No. 15 named after. O.M. Filatova, Moscow; 2 State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education “Moscow State Medical and Dental University named after. A.I. Evdokimov" of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow (magazine "Problems of Reproduction" No. 4, 2016):

“Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a modern diagnostic method that allows us to identify a number of pathologies that are very difficult to diagnose using other research methods.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, MRI is performed according to vital indications on the part of the mother, since organo- and histogenesis has not yet been completed. There is no evidence that MRI has a negative effect on the fetus or embryo. Therefore, MRI is used for research not only in pregnant women, but also for fetography, in particular, for studying the fetal brain. MRI is the method of choice in pregnancy if other non-ionizing medical imaging methods are insufficient, or if the same information as radiography or computed tomography(CT), but without the use of ionizing radiation.

In Russia there are no restrictions for MRI during pregnancy, however, the WHO Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Sources does not recommend any exposure to the fetus from the 1st to the 13th week of gestation, when any factor can in any way affect its development.

In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, the study is safe for the fetus. Indications for MRI of the brain in pregnant women are: [ 1 ] stroke of various etiologies; [ 2 ] vascular diseases of the brain (anomalies in the development of blood vessels in the head and neck); [ 3 ] injuries, bruises of the brain; [ 4 ] tumors of the brain and spinal cord; [ 5 ] paroxysmal states, epilepsy; [ 6 ] infectious diseases central nervous system; [ 7 ] headache; [8 ] cognitive impairment; [ 9 ] pathological changes sellar region; [ 10 ] neurodegenerative diseases; [ 11 ] demyelinating diseases; [ 12 ] sinusitis.

To perform MR angiography in pregnant women, the administration of a contrast agent in most cases is not necessary, unlike CT angiography, where this is mandatory. Indications for MR angiography and MR venography in pregnant women are: [ 1 ] cerebrovascular pathology (arterial aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, cavernomas, hemangiomas, etc.); [ 2 ] thrombosis of large arteries of the head and neck; [ 3 ] thrombosis of the venous sinuses; [ 4 ] identification of anomalies and variants of development of the vessels of the head and neck.

There are few contraindications to the use of MRI in the general population, and in pregnant women in particular. [ 1 ] Absolute contraindications: artificial pacemaker (its function is disrupted in the electromagnetic field, which can lead to the death of the patient being examined); other electronic implants; periorbital ferromagnetic foreign bodies; intracranial ferromagnetic hemostatic clips; pacemaker conductive wires and ECG cables; severe claustrophobia. [ 2 ] Relative contraindications: I trimester of pregnancy; the patient's serious condition (an MRI may be performed when the patient is connected to life support systems).

If there are heart valves, stents, filters, the study is possible if the patient provides accompanying documents from the manufacturer, which indicate the possibility of performing an MRI with an indication of the magnetic field voltage, or an epicrisis of the department where the device was installed, which indicates the permission conducting this survey" [read source].

Is it true that a 3 tesla device is twice as good as a 1.5 tesla device? If we take into account only the field strength - of course. In the world of sales and marketing, too. However, in terms of visualization, throughput in terms of earnings - absolutely not. Before you invest more money into opening a center with a 3 Tesla machine, you should think about what you are going to do with it, how it can be useful to you and how it will not.

Cost effective systems

Without imposing a percentage, it is safe to say that a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine is suitable for most MR scans. The 1.5 T short bore machine remains the standard, most used magnetic resonance imaging scanner. This does not mean that 3 Tesla systems have not caught on, but return on investment, throughput, staffing, and other factors should be taken into account. Silence the noise or turn down the volume? During an MRI scan, there is always noise in the image. Much of this noise comes from the patient's body, as well as from the electronics of the MRI machine itself. It is important to get the "signal" that creates the image, not the "noise" that can affect the quality of the image. 1.5 and 3 tesla devices cope with this, but in varying degrees. Young children tend to be very noisy. If they get together, for example for a birthday, the excitement makes them even noisier. Games can keep them occupied for a while until the party is over. For the occasion, if you want to play musical chairs, you have two options to make everyone hear the music:

Make the sound louder

Calm the children

Work 3- Tesla MRI machine much like the operation of a stereo system playing music for children at maximum volume. Essentially, this way you get more signal - the higher the field strength, the more molecules resonate, drowning out the noise. The 1.5 Tesla system with a multi-channel coil works largely on the principle of “calming children”. Coil elements allow the examination to be carried out closer to the body, which reduces the amount of noise in the image.

Clarity, speed, need

Two parameters come to mind when thinking about 3 Tesla machines: clarity and scan time. Simply put, 3 Tesla systems, having a higher field strength, increase the signal (creating the image), and therefore the clarity of the image at a certain scanning speed. However, you can't get the best of everything at once, so MRI studies present a trade-off between scan time and image quality. Thus, depending on the technology, your bandwidth needs, and other factors, the advantage may be in one direction or another. The bottom line is that you will still get quality images on a 1.5T system using multi-coil technology - but the scan time will be longer than 3T. Conversely, you can reduce scanning time on a 1.5 Tesla machine, but the image quality will be slightly worse. It all depends on the type of research.

Demand Offer

If you are doing research that requires the smallest details (complex brain work is one of the categories where a 3T machine is really needed), or you have a need to see a maximum number of patients in a day, you are inclined to purchase a 3 Tesla system, then you should plan everything in advance. Such devices are expensive - even on the secondary market you can pay twice as much for them as 1.5T, and yet they are difficult to find. Take the time to find a system and make sure your space is suitable for it. Remember: the strength of the electromagnets that are used to lift cars in junkyards is about the same as that of a 1.5 Tesla machine. And a 3 Tesla system has twice the magnetic field strength! Make sure to follow all safety precautions on site! If your research is less detailed, or the pace is less strenuous, a 1.5 Tesla system may give you everything you need. These systems are much more accessible, as are spare parts for them, as well as service engineers to maintain them. As with the 3 Tesla magnet, you must ensure that your facility is ready to accommodate the machine. Absence appropriate measures precautions may result in costly damage and serious injury.

Call us at 8-495-22-555-6-8, and we will select the most optimal research method just for you.

MAGNETOM Verio is the shortest 3 Tesla system available today, with an ultra-lightweight magnet. Your costs are initially reduced because the weight, size and high field stability minimize system installation requirements.

The MAGNETOM Verio system combines a 3 Tesla magnetic field, a 70 cm tunnel diameter and Tim (Total imaging matrix) technology to provide superior image quality, extensive diagnostic capabilities and exceptional patient comfort. In addition, this system design simplifies diagnosis in obese and claustrophobic patients, and in some cases is the only option for MR imaging. Tim technology simplifies work organization and improves patient care efficiency.

Tim technology allows you to combine up to 102 matrix coil elements combined into one array and use up to 32 independent RF channels.

3 Tesla field strength and open tunnel technology allow the examination of patients connected to life support devices, patients from departments intensive care and patients undergoing intraoperative procedures.

The MRI uses “zero helium evaporation” technology, due to which refueling is required only once every 10 years.

The shortest tunnel in its class (internal tunnel diameter 70 cm) provides maximum comfort, minimizes claustrophobia and easy access to the patient.

The industry's most powerful gradients provide the ability to perform any MR examination in thin slices (more diagnostic information) and at higher speeds (reducing the patient's breath-hold time by more than 50%). The range of diagnostic capabilities is expanding, and the time of MR scanning is being reduced.

High load capacity of the table for the possibility of conducting examinations of overweight patients (up to 250 kg).

Reels:
For body;
For the head;
For the neck;
For the spine;
Cardio/Internal Organs;
For mammary glands (with the possibility of taking a biopsy);
For the shoulder;
For the study of peripheral vessels.
For limbs.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) today is one of the most modern and informative diagnostic methods. In this case, obtaining information about the pathological process does not require any internal intervention.

The operating principle of MRI is based on the interaction of the human body and a magnetic field. Therefore, the study is non-invasive, absolutely safe and does not give any

Our clinic has installed unique equipment, the first in the history of magnetic resonance imaging ultra-high-field expert-class MR system Magnetom Verio from SIEMENS with a magnetic field strength of 3 Tesla, with a full set of high-tech MR coils: for all joints, breasts, and head without exception. and the whole body.

Unlike MR tomographs (magnetic field power 1.5T, and most tomographs have 1T or less), which are equipped in medical and diagnostic institutions in Moscow, and even more so in the regions, in the MR system installed in our clinic, SIEMENS managed to implement two seemingly incompatible ideas:

On the one hand, the largest aperture diameter (70 cm) and the shortest length of the 3T system (173 cm) reduce the discomfort associated with the examination, allow specialists to provide assistance to overweight patients (the highest table load capacity among MR systems is up to 200 kg) and With disabilities. More space in the system aperture results in fewer patients requiring sedation due to claustrophobia.

Advantages of the Magnetom Verio 3T MR system.

Shorter duration of the study.

Smaller slice thickness without loss of quality and resolution, which makes it possible to visualize anatomical structures in more detail.

High signal-to-noise ratio, which again guarantees high-quality images, even if the patient’s weight exceeds 100 kg.

Possibility of carrying out 3D programs with post-processing. If necessary, allows you to obtain additional diagnostic information through visualization pathological process in absolutely any necessary plane with the possibility of its 3D reconstruction

Educational recording for a patient undergoing an MRI examination

The operating principle of MRI is based on the interaction of the human body and a magnetic field. Therefore, the study is non-invasive, absolutely safe and does not provide any radiation exposure.

A unique feature of the magnetic tomograph installed in the clinic is the 32-channel Tim™ (Total imaging matrix) technology, thanks to which a single virtual coil is formed. It consists of 102 integrated elements of different receiver coils to cover any anatomical zone (from 5 mm to 205 cm) with the highest signal-to-noise ratio (above 200%) and 32 independent radio frequency channels, which allows it to perform the most complex clinical tasks. Tim technology allows the flexible combination of up to four different coils, making repositioning of the patient and coils during the examination unnecessary. For example, examining the entire central nervous system takes less than 10 minutes!

Tim technology provides high speed examinations, flexibility in choosing the scanning area and diagnostic accuracy of MR imaging.

We conduct examinations of the following organs and tissues: brain, spine and spinal cord, joints, heart and mediastinum, organs abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space, pelvic organs (gynecology, urology), orbits, paranasal sinuses.

Angiography of vessels: brain, carotid and vertebral arteries, thoracic and abdominal aorta, renal arteries, arteries of the lower extremities.

Venography (phlebography) of the brain and inferior genital vein.

Magnetic resonance imaging MRI is not only a static imaging method, but also a method for studying functions. For example, in our clinic it is possible to carry out dynamic recording of joint movement, for which kinematics is used. Contraction of the heart muscle is clearly visible on cine MRI.

The study of the blood supply to tissues is carried out using perfusion, and their condition using diffusion and MR spectroscopy. The listed methods have experienced a rebirth when used on equipment with a magnetic field power of 3T; with their help, it is possible to determine chemical changes in tissues, for example when malignant tumors liver, milk and prostate gland. In our clinic, the range of diagnostic capabilities using diffusion and spectroscopy is constantly expanding.

We are often asked the question: what is magnetic resonance imaging, and how research using a 0.35 Tesla machine differs from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a 3 Tesla machine.

Magnetic resonance imaging– a modern, high-tech, widespread, non-invasive diagnostic method. It is completely safe and does not require intervention in the human body.

The basis for obtaining diagnostic data in MRI is the phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance: measurement of the response of the nuclei of hydrogen atoms under the influence of electromagnetic waves in conditions of a constant magnetic field of high intensity. Exposure to electromagnetic pulses and strong magnetic fields is not dangerous to the human body.

The magnetic field strength of an MRI scanner is measured in Tesla (1 Tesla), a unit named after the physicist, engineer and inventor in the field of electrical and radio engineering Nikola Tesla.

All magnetic resonance imaging scanners are divided into

1. Low-floor – 0.23-0.35 Tesla;

2. Mid-field – 1 Tesla;

3. High-field – 1.5-3 Tesla.

The higher the number, the higher quality the image is obtained. Currently, studies conducted on devices of 1.5-3 Tesla are considered optimal. Low-field and mid-field MRIs are used for preliminary diagnosis of diseases and injuries.

Very often, high-field MRIs combine a large aperture diameter (70 cm) and the shortest length of a 3T system (173 cm), which provide additional advantages when conducting research

1. When you need high information content and obtaining images of impeccable quality.

a. In oncology to assess the extent of the tumor, determine the presence of metastases, determine tactics surgical treatment,
b. In cardiology for the diagnosis of vascular diseases, both arterial and venous pathologies. The possibility of 3D reconstruction of the structure of blood vessels allows you to examine the area of interest from all sides.
c. For joint pathology MRI allows you to highly accurately visualize intra-articular pathology, determine pathological changes around the joints, damage to internal and extra-articular elements (ligaments, tendons, menisci, etc.) as well as the condition of soft tissues.
d. For brain diseases allows for early stages monitor hemodynamic disorders and diagnose stroke.
e. For diseases of the spine pathology of nerve endings, intervertebral discs, neck vessels, vertebral arteries and veins, etc. is revealed.
f. MRI of the mammary glands carried out to evaluate the result of the operation. MRI is also indicated to clarify the condition of the mammary gland tissue with implants.

2. Conducting research overweight patients and with disabilities. The weight at which a patient is taken for examination on conventional tomographs is up to 90 kg. In high-floor devices, the table load capacity is up to 200 kg. A high signal-to-noise ratio allows us to guarantee high-quality images, even if the patient’s weight exceeds 100 kg.

3. Larger space in the system aperture and reduced time allow for research patients with claustrophobia. In addition, increasing the tunnel diameter makes it possible to examine patients who cannot be scanned using previously released MR scanners, e.g. those suffering from severe kyphosis, limited mobility, positional pain, children.

4. 3 Tesla field strength and open tunnel technology enable examination patients connected to life support devices, patients from intensive care units and patients undergoing intraoperative procedures.

Tomographs with a power of 5 Tesla are used for research purposes. You will not find such tomographs in medical institutions, so MRI at 5 Tesla is not performed.

Thus, it should be concluded that the strength of the magnetic field of the tomograph, measured in Tesla, is a serious indicator of the information content of magnetic resonance imaging. Therefore, it would be a good idea to agree with your doctor not only the need for an MRI, but also the power of the tomograph on which this procedure will be performed.