New Open MR Systems

105 New Open MR Systems

Fig. 105.1

In the past two decades, some low-field systems were advocated as more patient friendly, due to the design of the magnet being that of two horizontal plates, as opposed to a cylinder. Such systems were marketed as “open.” Low-field MR systems typically suffer from poorer gradient performance and inferior receiver coil design (fewer elements and channels) compared with those of current high-field systems (≥ 1.5 T). This, together with lower SNR, limited clinical throughput and quality. An intermediate design is represented by the Panorama (Philips), an actively shielded 1 T midfield horizontal open design launched in 2004. The first true high-field (1.5 T) open system was also introduced in 2004, an ultrashort cylindrical magnet complemented by an increase in bore diameter (Fig. 105.1

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