by
Keri Stephens, Contributing Reporter | February 11, 2026
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.
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“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.
Steven Ford
Rebuild of MRI
March 03, 2026 02:17
One overlooked option for older MRIs is to reevaluate the scan protocols. An MRI is a software controlled data acquisition device, and although it takes some work, a lot can be done to optimize speed and image diagnostic quality in most scanners. Frequently, this is given insufficient attention; in my experience, over 90 percent of sites have sequences incorporating wasted time that does little or nothing to improve image quality. For example, transverse knee images that have No Phase Wrap enabled, which adds about 50% to the scan time but makes images indistinguishable from scans without this enabled.
Besides 'obvious' problems like this, frequently the radiology staff is not the same as when the scanner was commissioned, say ten years ago. Their preferences may have changed, or newer best-practices techniques may now be available.
For an investment of a couple days with an expert, real differences can be made. It also improves morale with the MRI staff, who understand management's commitment to quality.
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