by
Robert Garment, Executive Editor | August 30, 2007
The buzz started at last year's RSNA meeting about 3T vs. 1.5T continues to grow among all those in the MR community. MR applications are tied in large part to the 3T vs. 1.5T issue, which in turn is tied to acquisition costs, with top-of-
the-line 3T systems running from $2 to $2.5 million.
3T systems, which have been around for over 5 years, have seen limited use until recently because coil technology was lagging. Multi-channel coil development has caught up, and Davis believes, "3T machines are definitely ready for prime time." Among the advantages high-field 3T offers are faster image acquisition times, better signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), and better resolution.
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Faster scanning is a benefit for patients because they do not have to remain motionless for as long; also, for people with any level of claustrophobia, getting in and out quicker is very much appreciated.
In terms of economics, if 3T wasn't faster, it probably would remain a research tool only. That's because the high capital investment cost means increased patient throughput is necessary so a hospital can operate the MR at a profit. Thus, shorter scan time is a key factor in the purchase decision of a 3T in the first place. And it appears many facilities believe 3T is financially practical - because as Davis claims, "3T business is 25% to 30% of our MR business today."
Jeffrey Bundy, V.P. Siemens Medical Solutions/MRI Division, also sees 3T as the future, but says "I think certainly the lion's share of systems that are purchased right now are 1.5T. Yes, there is a lot of activity and a lot of interest around 3T, but still, the largest part of the market - and certainly
what's installed - is at the 1.5T level. The market for 1.5T continues to be strong and people show no sign of backing away from it. What's also very interesting, however, is we see growth in the 3T market not just in academic centers and teaching hospitals, we see 3Ts going in diagnostic imaging centers, as well as smaller hospital locations. People who have multiple scanners are looking at 3T to complement the 1.5T that they have. And if a customer wants to differentiate their capabilities in competitive marketplace, they're also looking at a 3T scanner to do that," said Bundy.
