Siemens Healthcare has completed the installation of a MAGNETOM Aera 1.5 Tesla MRI system at Spire Bristol Hospital.
The installation is part of a wider deployment of MRI systems at five Spire Healthcare locations, including a MAGNETOM Avanto at Spire Washington, a second Aera system at Spire Little Aston in Sutton Coldfield, and a MAGNETOM Avanto at Spire Liverpool. A third Aera system will be installed later in the year at the new Montefiore Hospital in Brighton.
As well as the high- resolution orthopaedic imaging and high throughput capabilities of the system, Spire Bristol Hospital is also initially benefitting by using the MAGNETOM Aera to meet an increased number of cardiac imaging procedures.
The system’s wide, short 70cm open bore is helping to accommodate a variety of patients who can be scanned feet or head first, significantly improving comfort for children, claustrophobic and bariatric patients. Furthermore, the 48-channel system and lightweight coils give radiographers flexibility to personalise examinations for patients based on their condition and clinical indication.
“We have been keen to increase the number of cardiac MR procedures we do at the unit in Spire Bristol,” said Rita Powers, MRI manager at the hospital. “As a result of the installation, we are not only able to access more advanced cardiac applications to meet our main objective, but also conduct whole body imaging together with whole body diffusion studies on organs including the prostate, brain and liver.
The installation replaces a legacy Siemens system, the MAGNETOM Symphony.
Vince Golledge, regional sales and corporate business manager at Siemens Healthcare, said: “The MAGNETOM Aera represents state-of-the-art MRI that integrates excellent imaging quality with ease of use and patient comfort through its wide bore. Workflow efficiency is also boosted through its use of Tim 4G and Dot technology.”
