Overview of MRI market and technology trends
New MRI technologies may help drive additional MRI expansion in the coming years, as new features help automate and simplify the imaging process and increase patient throughput. This includes new, small, portable MRI systems, the introduction of "helium free" sealed cooling systems, weight-bearing MRI systems, and artificial intelligence (AI) and other automation features to make operation of the MRI easier to use and to greatly reduce exam times.
"Software improvements have increased considerably for MRI," Jani explained. "We are seeing compressed sensing, which allows for faster scanning, shortening scanning appointments and one-beat Cardiac MRI scanning."
In many cases, compressed sensing, sometimes combined with AI, can help reduce exam times by 50% or more.
Artificial intelligence is also being integrated into MRI systems and post-processing software. AI is being used in a variety of applications, to improve image reconstruction for clearer images, the ability to reduce gadolinium contrast, assisting with operations workflows, ensuring proper patient positioning, and subspecialty specific applications in cardiology, neurology and orthopedics to speed workflows and automate measurements and quantification.
Jani said software to reduce scan times and increase the amount of clinical data that can be pulled out of these shorter exams may play a role in purchasing decisions. She said hospitals want to maximize their investments in imaging equipment by being able to scan as many patients as possible without sacrificing quality or patient outcomes.
"There is increased focus on return on investment, so as more decisions are being driven by financial decision-makers, we are seeing more consideration of the full return on investment on the full shelf life of the system. If there is greater patient throughput because of more efficiency, that can be a factor that differentiates one company's MRI system from another," Jani explained.
Several vendors have introduced so-called "helium-free" MR systems, which still use the cryogenic coolant for the magnets, just a lot less of it. For example, Philips states its system only uses 7 liters of helium, as opposed to 1,500 for a standard MRI system. These helium-free systems are completely seals, so there is zero helium boil off over time. It also eliminates the need for installing a vent or quench pipe, helping simplify installations.
Read more details in the article Top MRI trends include helium-free systems, compressed sensing and AI
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