Replacing an aging MR scanner has long been treated as a given in academic medicine. At University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), that assumption was quietly challenged.

Rather than removing and replacing entire MR systems, the New York–based department began rebuilding scanners onsite; retaining the original magnet, a component that can last up to 30 years, while upgrading nearly everything around it. The result has been performance equivalent to new systems at a fraction of the cost, significantly less downtime, and a meaningful reduction in environmental impact.

Since 2020, URMC has rebuilt five MR scanners, with a sixth underway. None required magnet replacement, according to Dr. Eric Weinberg, professor of clinical imaging sciences and vice-chair of operations.

“A lot has changed in the last five years,” says Weinberg. “In the past, people would have gotten rid of a magnet without a second thought.” That mindset, he says, no longer holds.

Performance without compromise
One major question was whether rebuilt scanners would match new systems in acquisition speed and image quality. That concern never materialized, Weinberg says.

“We were told the rebuilt system would be equivalent to buying brand new, at half the cost.”

Using GE HealthCare’s “Lift” process, legacy 1.5T MR systems were upgraded to current-generation platforms, including wider 70 cm bores (up from 60 cm), modern gradients, updated coils, and AI-based reconstruction software.

Retaining the magnet also minimizes disruption. Removing and reinstalling an MR magnet is among the most complex — and costly — parts of replacement, often requiring major construction, shielding upgrades, and structural modifications, Weinberg says.

“You don’t always know about each room. For instance, does the flooring need to be replaced? But if you’re starting with an existing magnet, you save about half. You’re essentially refurbishing the magnet on-site.”

The payoff is reduced downtime and lower infrastructure costs. Rebuilt systems have been offline for four to six months; full replacement typically takes at least that long — and often longer — while driving up construction expenses. Dr. Jennifer Harvey, professor and chair of imaging sciences, estimates that construction alone can account for roughly 40% of the total cost of a new MR installation.

“A scanner might cost $1.5 million, but construction can easily add another $1 million,” Harvey says. “Rebuilding on-site avoids much of that.”

Over the past four years, Harvey says MR volume at URMC has doubled, with better images and faster scans.

That matters for patients, Harvey says. “MR exams are loud, confining, and can feel claustrophobic. If you reduce a scan from 30 minutes to 20, it’s much easier for patients to stay still, which directly improves image quality and patient experience.”

The rebuilt systems, she adds, are now fully state of the art, with speed and resolution comparable to newly installed scanners.

Sustainability with financial weight
Radiology is among healthcare’s most energy-intensive specialties. One MR scanner alone can use as much electricity each year as more than 10 U.S. households. By avoiding full replacement, URMC estimates it will prevent roughly 288 tons of carbon emissions across six scanners.

When the work is complete, up to 96% of system components will be reused or recycled, conserving six tons of scarce liquid helium used to cool MR magnets, while AI-driven workflows will slash scanner energy use by roughly 30%.

“There’s a significant environmental impact that people don’t always see,” Weinberg says. “There are hazardous materials involved. Keeping those systems intact instead of disposing of them matters.”

Harvey concurs, adding that in some cases three scanners can be upgraded for the cost of replacing one.

“New equipment will always be needed,” Harvey says. “But rebuilding strengthens the relationship with vendors who support what’s already in place.” After all, she says, progress doesn’t always mean brand new machines.