MALVERN, Pa., May 9, 2006 - Working in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Siemens Medical Solutions has developed a prototype 128-channel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system* based on Tim(R) (Total imaging matrix) technology. Built with Siemens MAGNETOM Trio(R) with Tim 3 Tesla (3T) MRI system, the prototype is based on the 102X32 Tim architecture - 102 coil elements integrated in 32 independent radio frequency (RF) channels - that has been expanded to 128 independent RF channels and coil elements. The principles and potential applications of 128-channel MRI scanning are being evaluated at MGH, with initial findings showing the potential to exceed current standards of image resolution and parallel imaging, with up to a 25-fold increase in speed.

The newly developed prototype 128-channel 3T MRI system is designed to be suitable for clinical and research imaging, especially in cardiology and advanced neurology where speed and sensitivity are of the essence. For example, a medical professional could identify subtle details deep within the body due to the higher signal-to-noise ratio, while taking a fraction of the time to scan the patient. Cardiac imaging could be conducted in a single breath hold and viewed in real time without radiation or drugs, making MRI a key resource for medical professionals and their patients. With the increase in channels, it is possible to see a shift to rapid three dimensional imaging with sub-millimeter isotropic resolutions.

"Labor intensive medical imaging procedures could become simpler and completed in significantly less time with a 128-channel MRI," said Dr. Lawrence Wald, director, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Core, Martinos Center, MGH. "This development could open new doors in cardiac, brain and abdominal MRI with the increase in speed and sensitivity."
The new 128-channel prototype MRI system pairs one coil element with one channel. In addition, a 128-channel coil that makes efficient use of the 128 RF channels has been developed. Proving the capabilities and technological advances of Siemens' MRI and Tim technology, the development and addition of 128 channels within the MAGNETOM Trio required minor changes to the system's existing architecture.

"As a global leader in MRI, Siemens is the only vendor with 32-independent channel 1.5T and 3T Tim products, with 200 installations, and continually strives to provide the newest innovations to the market today," said Nancy Gillen, vice president, MRI Division, Siemens Medical Solutions. "128-channel technology represents the next step in MRI, potentially introducing important future pathways in medical imaging and the healthcare industry. We look forward to our continued collaboration with MGH, and exploring new avenues and advantages for state-of-the-art 128-channel MRI."

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