Bringing MRI into the mainstream with innovation
Biber and Grodzki set out to develop an MRI system that overcame all these infrastructural and operational obstacles and could be used for routine clinical cases—such as head, spine, and joint imaging, or the diagnosis of liver tumors. To achieve this, the team left no core component untouched. The prerequisite for making the new MRI system lighter, more compact, and more cost efficient than previous devices was the reduction of the magnetic field strength to just 0.55 Tesla. However, this lower field strength is intrinsically accompanied by a reduction in the measurable signal. Here, the team took advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve sufficiently high image quality for accurate diagnoses. The AI-based image reconstruction algorithm Deep Resolve is trained on high-resolution MRI data and uses neural networks to generate high-quality images from a weaker input signal. This resolves the physical hurdle of low field strength.

Closed helium circuit for “dry magnet”

A new technology called DryCool was also developed for Magnetom Free for sustainable cooling of the superconducting magnet. This not only allows for the required amount of helium to be reduced to just 0.7 liters, but it can also be used in a closed circuit. As a result, the new systems no longer lose helium during transport or power outages, eliminating the need for service with liquid helium at the installation site. In addition, there is no longer a need to install a quench pipe, through which helium is discharged directly and safely from the building into the atmosphere in the event of an emergency shutdown. Due to the reduced system specifications, the energy consumption of the Magnetom Free. Platform can also be reduced compared to conventional MRI systems.

At less than two meters high and weighing around three tons, Magnetom Free systems can be brought through the door to their destination and installed there—without the need for extensive construction work. For the first time, the reduced specifications of the system allow for an increased patient bore of 80 centimeters, which is available with the Magnetom Free.Max model. This benefits claustrophobic and obese patients as well as children.

The operation of the scanner has also been simplified to enable even inexperienced users to perform MRI examinations safely and with high-quality results. In this way, the steadily increasing shortage of well-trained system operators can be counteracted.

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