PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA-- ECRI (www.ecri.org) recently published an evaluation of three, 1.5-tesla MR systems. The in-depth article, published in ECRI's Health Devices journal, provides detailed results and analysis from ECRI's testing to assist healthcare facilities in selecting and purchasing an MR system. ECRI is an independent, nonprofit health services research agency that routinely evaluates a range of medical devices; this is their first MR systems study. (The journal report must be purchased from them.)

"We invited all major manufacturers to participate--GE, Toshiba, Siemens and Philips. Philips declined our invitation," said Evaluator Jason Launders. "We chose the 1.5 tesla, which represents most of the systems sold today and we chose the most technologically advanced from each of those manufacturers."

Specifically, they looked at GE Signa 1.5 HD, Siemens Avanto, and Toshiba Vantage.


ECRI assessed baseline image quality--signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, uniformity and other technical measures. Testing took place at the manufacturers' facilities. ECRI also surveyed users to judge things like patient comfort and throughput. How easy was the system for the technologist to set up? The scoring system reported either "preferred," "acceptable," or "not recommended."

The systems were rated for two different uses: inpatient imaging (performed in hospitals) and outpatient imaging (most often performed in imaging centers). Additionally, the systems were rated according to their ability to meet the needs of three specialized applications--breast and cardiac imaging and functional MR imaging.

And the envelope, please.... Sorry, it's not that simple.

"Overall, they're all acceptable but in particular clinical settings some we rated preferred," Launders told DOTmed. "I don't think there is a `best' system. It depends on your particular situation." For instance, in outpatient imaging facilities, patient comfort may be a more important criterion to consider. "I think it will depend on the specific application. I don't think there are any outright winners in there."

ERCI's report is not just a rating but also includes a writeup about the advantages and disadvantages of each system. ECRI also offers guidance on options to consider during the selection process, such as different field strengths, gradient systems, coils, channels, and specialized imaging features.

About Heath Devices
All issues of Health Devices, ECRI's flagship publication for healthcare technology decision makers, include a section derived from ECRI's International Problem Reporting System. Articles in this section cover medical device hazards investigated by ECRI and contain specific recommendations to help healthcare facilities minimize risk. The June 2006 Problem Reporting section describes injuries related to foldable wheelchairs and prevention strategies to avoid these injuries; a Talk to the Specialist article provides guidance on the correct use of sealants with medical gas and vacuum systems.

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