MRI System’s Postprocessing Automated Capabilities Streamline Workflow While Maintaining Image Quality

A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system features a 70-cm open bore with a short system design for increased patient comfort and ease of access, and has helped patients with claustrophobia at the hospital. The technologic improvements have led to increased productivity and throughput, and excellent image quality, which provide diagnostic effectiveness among staff.

Spire Little Aston Hospital (Sutton Coldfield, UK), of the Spire Healthcare Group, has installed a Magnetom Aera 1.5T MR system, developed by Siemens Healthcare (Erlangen, Germany). The hospital is now using the system, which replaces an earlier generation Siemens Magnetom Symphony, for a wide range of MRI applications, including neurologic, orthopedic, routine abdominal, and cardiac services.


The Magnetom Aera’s postprocessing capabilities automate many clinical steps, assisting workflow while maintaining image quality. The system features Tim 4G (Total imaging matrix) and Dot (Day optimizing throughput) technology integration for high-resolution imaging, enhanced productivity and efficiency. DirectRF provides excellent radiofrequency (RF) signal purity and stability to provide optimal image quality. The system also features 48 RF channels as standard and lightweight coils to give radiographers the flexibility to customize examinations for patients based on their condition and clinical indication.

“We are very pleased with the performance of the Magnetom Aera, which has had an immediate impact in terms of throughput and patient acceptability since its arrival. In addition to its superb quality, the images from the system are quick and reproducible, giving diagnostic confidence to the radiologists and cardiologists that use it,” stated Debbie Williams, diagnostic imaging manager at Spire Little Aston. “The response from repeat patients has been universally very good, with everybody describing it as a much nicer experience thanks to the system’s wide, yet short, bore. This has reduced claustrophobic reactions from patients, making them comfortable, whilst increasing productivity.”

“It is clear the performance of the Magnetom Aera has delivered instant benefits for the staff and patients at Spire Little Aston Hospital,” noted Vince Golledge, regional sales and corporate business manager at Siemens Healthcare. “In addition to effective patient comfort and throughput enhanced by its use of Tim 4G and Dot technologies, the system offers superb image quality across the broad spectrum of applications. We are pleased the anticipated benefits of the system have been immediately met.”

Related Links:
Spire Little Aston Hospital
Siemens Healthcare