MRI scanner fits into tight spaces and budgets

LONDON -- UK-based MR Solutions said two major breakthroughs will make its groundbreaking new bench-top 3 Tesla* MRI scanners the perfect fit, both in terms of cost and space, for pre-clinical research laboratories.

The company, a world leader in the development and manufacture of MRI systems and spectrometers, has developed the high-performance scanner using super-conducting magnets, which eliminate the need for liquid helium cooling. It has also cut the scanner's stray magnetic field so that other laboratory equipment can be safely operated within centimetres of the unit.

"These breakthroughs have two significant benefits," said MR Solutions chief executive Dr David Taylor. "Firstly, the cost is dramatically reduced by doing away with the liquid helium cooling and attendant safety devices. Secondly, the space required for the system is only the size of a desk."

MR Solutions was able to dispense with the usual liquid helium cooling system in their new bench top system by using a revolutionary magnet design incorporating new superconducting wire. This enables the use of a standard low temperature fridge to cool the magnet to the required 4 degrees Kelvin (minus 269 degrees C). This technology solution was pioneered by MR Solutions and its' magnet partner.

"We are sure that our new bench-top MRIs will be welcomed with open arms by labs which are always constrained by budgets and lack of space," Dr Taylor said.