Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), one of the most crucial and widely used imaging modalities in medical imaging, continues to play a pivotal role in diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care. As healthcare demands escalate due to an aging population and the growth of chronic diseases, the need for improved access to state-of-the-art MRI system components and capabilities becomes more apparent.
On-going clinical pressures, such as complex imaging exams and a heavy patient load, require MRI systems to be equipped to meet a broad range of diagnostic needs. However, the financial and operational barriers to maintaining the most current technology are more prevalent than ever. In an environment where the pace of innovation is only getting faster, and the challenge of technology obsolescence is also growing, it becomes essential to be able to anticipate future MRI needs and plan for expanding clinical capabilities to serve patients to meet the growing requirements of modern healthcare.
Industry partners like GE HealthCare are committed to evolving MRI technology in ways that providers can access the most current advancements, creating opportunities to make the latest MRI capabilities more accessible to more patients. GE HealthCare has long been a pioneer in advancing MRI technology and partnering with clinicians to provide high-quality imaging for patients. Their commitment to innovation, customer support, and sustainability has resulted in flexible, scalable MRI solutions that address the product life cycle management challenges faced by healthcare providers today, as well as prepare them for the future.
“We’re committed to developing and delivering the latest in MRI technology to our customers, but also making it more accessible to democratize the availability of MRI,” said Fotis Vlachos, chief marketing officer for MR with GE HealthCare. “Our innovative MRI technology can adapt to the changing needs in imaging applications across the radiology environment, and with options to expand clinical capabilities and changing needs in the future.”
Meeting escalating healthcare demands with advanced MRI system components
As the global population continues to grow and age, there is an increasing demand for advanced healthcare services. With the rise in chronic diseases and complex medical conditions, MRI has become an indispensable tool for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, with more than 95 million MRI scans performed each year around the world.[1] To meet this escalating demand and deliver high-quality care to patients, healthcare providers need the most current MRI system components and capabilities that offer exceptional image quality, advanced clinical applications, and efficient workflows.
Because MRI can help clinicians investigate the anatomical, metabolic, functional, and molecular characteristics of various tissues and organs without harmful radiation or biopsy, as well as perform perfusion studies, it is often utilized in the detection, diagnosis, staging, grading, and treatment of various diseases. In clinical practice, state-of-the-art MRI can be used for qualitative and quantitative diagnosis of disease, as well as for monitoring the treatment outcomes and effects of treatments in organs, such as the brain, spine, head and neck, breast, liver, kidney, prostate, cervix, bones, and joints.
Anticipating future MRI needs
In addition to providing exceptional patient care today, healthcare facilities must anticipate and plan for future MRI needs. This includes assessing the current capabilities of their installed MRI systems and understanding the evolving requirements of their patient communities. Experts believe the demand for MRI will continue to rise.[2] However, according to market data, in 2018 the median age of an installed MRI system was seven years, which can leave facilities with outdated technology as the pace of innovation in medical imaging continues.[3] Fortunately, MRI scanners that receive regular maintenance can be relied on for many years and some installed systems can also be upgraded with hardware and software to remain clinically relevant and to improve access for more patients.
By investing in MRI systems that have been designed for scalability and upgradability, providers can ensure their equipment remains relevant and effective for years to come, potentially extending the lifespan of the current systems. GE HealthCare has been at the forefront of designing new MRI systems with options that can both extend the system’s lifespan as well as expand the system’s clinical capabilities.
New MRI systems are being developed with scalability in mind, resulting in systems with lighter, intelligent magnet technology and built-in features to promote sustainability and improved access for patients. For example, within GE HealthCare’s hardware upgrade for its legacy 1.5T and 3.0T systems, it’s possible to go from a narrow 60cm bore to a wider bore of 70cm and gain the opportunity to accommodate larger patients, as well as those patients who may have opted for a wider bore MRI experience. Newer designs in MRI coils also contribute to an enhanced patient experience.
Building a new MRI system around the existing MRI magnet is another innovative and cost-effective way to gain the benefits of a next-generation MRI system. GE HealthCare’s SIGNA™ Lift program can transform installed systems by upgrading to all-new electronics around the existing magnet, resulting in the latest in gradient technology, a new workstation, and the latest applications for SIGNA™.
Advancing MRI capabilities with AI and software upgrades
Radiology departments are also in need of MRI tools that can improve efficiency across the clinical workflow and reduce the cognitive burden that can cause stress and burnout to radiology staff. Applying artificial intelligence (AI) and deep-learning algorithms to MRI image reconstruction is an exciting new frontier in medical imaging reconstruction that enables improvements in MR that haven’t been possible using traditional methods.
GE HealthCare’s MRI deep-learning imaging reconstruction innovation is a trained algorithm to reconstruct sharper images by leveraging all of the raw MRI acquisition data and can achieve a higher signal-to-noise ratio with user-selectable improvement levels. This innovative technology is unique in that its availability is not limited to new MRI systems but can be utilized on most existing installed systems with a software upgrade. Powerful improvements are possible in image quality and spatial resolution as a result of using deep learning image reconstruction techniques in MRI.
Preparing for tomorrow with intelligent, future-forward MRI today
With escalating healthcare demands and the need for state-of-the-art MRI capabilities, the importance of maximizing innovations in MRI is clear. By investing in AI and software upgrades, as well as hardware advancements, onto existing systems, healthcare providers can potentially prolong the life of their MRI systems and enhance access to high-quality MR imaging for more patients. As a leader in innovating MRI technology, GE HealthCare is committed to making this possible by delivering cutting-edge imaging solutions to healthcare facilities worldwide. With improved access to MRI for more patients, MRI holds immense promise in advancing medical diagnostics and clinical outcomes.
RELATED CONTENT
Learn more about GE HealthCare’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging solutions, here.
DISCLAIMER
Not all products or features are available in all geographies. Check with your local GE HealthCare representative for availability in your country.
REFERENCES
[1] Magnetic Resonance. Chapter 21. Magnetic Resonance. https://www.magnetic-resonance.org/ch/21-01.html Accessed Nov. 15, 2022; OECD Health Statistics 2017
[2] Wang L, Nie JX, Tracy CS, Moineddin R, Upshur RE. Utilization patterns of diagnostic imaging across the late life course: a population-based study in Ontario, Canada. Int J Technol Assess Health Care. 2008 Fall;24(4):384-90. doi: 10.1017/S0266462308080501. PMID: 18828931. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18828931/
[3] IMV 2018 MR Market Outlook Report
