Remember the news stories about claustrophobic patients panicking during MRs? Newer models have larger tunnels and more air circulating through them to create, if not a more pleasant experience, then certainly one that is less unpleasant.

Patient care
In addition to patient comfort, improvements to patient care encompass efficiency, technology and overall patient well-being. MR scanners are being used in radiation therapy to plan treatment. The MR uses the same type of table used in CT (computed tomography). MR scans have improved resolution as compared to CT scanners.
The new MR electronically sends its data, including patient positioning, to the linear accelerator. Using this data, the oncology system’s radiation beams have a more precise target, and thereby reduce the amount of collateral damage during the treatment of the patient. By bringing together MR technologists and radiation therapists with this new technology through cross-training, hospitals can achieve better clinical outcomes.

Newer MR systems are built with a larger bore, or the bore is oval in shape. The oval shape MR system accommodates the natural shape of the body at rest.

In more good news, MRs on the market today are engineered for helium reduction. MRs work by using electronic magnets, which must be kept at approximately 0 degrees Kelvin, and helium provides that cooling power. The problem is that helium is a finite source, and because it cannot be manufactured, once it’s used, it’s gone.

Nearly all the manufacturers on the market today have gone to zero boil-off, or close to it, and it can be two to three years before a system has to be refilled. Newer models are much more efficient in recapturing the helium than they were in the past.

Recently, one manufacturer developed a sealed system, which uses much less helium and doesn’t require any boil-off. When it needs to be quenched, i.e., refilled, it requires only seven liters of liquid helium and it is totally sealed. This new technology further reduces the amount of helium being used in the world, which then extends the length of supply availability.

For the future, look for coil technology to improve. Coils will continue to get smaller, and vendors will continue to improve resolution that will improve patient care and increase patient comfort.

About the author: Dan Ward is a senior portfolio executive for Vizient in the diagnostic imaging team under capital, imaging and facilities. He works closely with industry and hospital members in the diagnostic imaging, informatics and oncology space.

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