This fall, Siemens
will be introducing Tim, a revolutionary new addition to the
traditional MRI process. Tim, the unique Total imaging matrix
technology, brings MR tomography greater performance than it
has ever had before. In the past, MR technology was limited
to array coils offering a maximum of only eight receiving channels.
Until Siemens introduced the unique IPA (Integrated Panoramic
Array) concept in 1998, the possibility of varying the combination
of coils for scanning larger areas of the body has been very
limited or even nonexistent. Now, for the first time in the
history of MR, the user can individually select the specific
exams for the desired anatomy - and no longer has to deal with
patient repositioningor coil reconfigurations.Tim features
| TIM
REDEFINES the term "freedom in MRI" by taking
a quantum leap beyond the boundaries of array coils to a
breakthrough matrix coil concept. |
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| Whole-body
Functionality with [76 x 32] |
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UP
TO 76 seamlessly integrated coil elements
and up to 32 RF channels combined to create
one Total imaging matrix. |
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| Tim
enables MR users to freely and flexibly combine
up to 76 seamlessly integrated coil elements and
up to 32 RF channels to one Total imaging matrix.
No manual coil reconfiguration during the exam.
No patient repositioning either. Giving them total,
multi-channel whole-body imaging, seamlessly. If
during the course of an exam unexpected findings
appear, the anatomical region of interest can be
expanded immediately. Tim enables streamlined true
whole-body imaging with a total field of view (FoV)
of up 205 cm (6' 9'') - in surface coil quality
and with up to 100 percent increase in signal-to-noise
ratio (SNR). Tim opens up a whole new world of clinical
applications, from whole-body to local MRI. New
approaches for cancer staging, visualization of
systemic diseases like rheumatic or vessel diseases,
or MR angiography. Radiologists will see more than
ever before: detailed morphology, leading to an
unparalleled level of confidence in all physician's
diagnoses while at the same time shortening exam
times and streamlining workflow.
GERMAN
Swim world champion 2003, Hannah Stockbauer,
in a whole-body MRI scan. |
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as many as 76 (!)
seamlessly integrated coil elements, along with exactly 32 independent
receiver channels. These can be used flexibly in any combination
to create a whole-body imaging matrix, supporting a total field
of view of 205 cm (6' 9''). Conventional metastases evaluation
of the whole body, however, requires changing coils and repositioning
the patient for each anatomical area of interest, e.g. head,
thoracic, abdominal, pelvis, etc. With the introduction of Tim,
workflow and patient comfort level are vastly improved by simplifying
the MR process and shortening examination times. Both the matrix
coils and the patient need only be positioned once for all desired
exams, as multiple channels allow a unique and almost unlimited
scanning flexibility.
Scan
Times Cut in Half
Usually, even with
the existing coil concept, only about a 150-cm field of view
could be scanned with surface coils and a sufficient signal-to-noise
ratio (SNR). For whole-body coverage, the patient needs to be
repositioned, i.e. the coil setup has to be reconfigured. The
only alternative, up to now, has been to perform whole-body
MR imaging without surface coils, i.e. just with the integrated
body coil, which, however, significantly reduces image quality.
Thus, MRI technicians have always had to choose in the past
between total body coverage and adequate image quality. Tim
erases that difficult decision by allowing up to 100 percent
more SNR. The result: up to 205 cm (6' 9'') can now be scanned
at maximum SNR - requiring only 12 minutes. That's a phenomenal
time reduction of more than 50 percent! Tim can help making
accurate diagnoses, even for extremely complex imaging needs.
Tim's flexibility means that if something unexpected is spotted,
the region of interest can be expanded instantly, without any
repositioning of the patient or any coil reconfigurations.
Unlimited
Parallel Imaging
Tim's reach is virtually
boundless. Today, socalled Parallel Imaging (Parallel Acquisition
Technique, PAT) already allows faster acquisition with high
image quality. This is a distinct advantage, for instance, in
MRIs of moving organs, because motion artefacts are significantly
reduced or even eliminated. Unfortunately, the disadvantages
of PAT include limited fields of view, usually based on the
specific PAT coils required, and a finite number of receiver
channels. Here, Tim shows its real added value. It removes all
those negatives by allowing Parallel Imaging along the patient's
entire body in a total field of view of 205 cm. The very highest
PAT factors are now available in all three dimensions: from
head to feet, anterior to posterior, and left to right. That
means that the highest acquisition speeds and image resolutions
can be achieved without the need for any specific PAT coils.
Intelligent
Assistance
Tim goes even further
to intelligently assist with MRIs: For the first time, it makes
Parallel Imaging easy by recommending the maximum PAT factors
for whichever application is selected. And the Tim Assistant
helps finding the selected coil elements, correct patient position,
and appropriate MR protocol, assuring the integrated Parallel
Acquisition Technique (iPAT) configuration for each particular
need. Siemens continues to uncompromisingly pursue its goal
of truly optimizing workflow: With Tim's new Intelligent Coil
Control, technicians can control all coils, both fixed and flexible,
and their corresponding elements. This is all aimed at making
Parallel Imaging easy and more efficient, as well as integrating
it into the clinical routine. In addition, with iPAT, Siemens
offers two forms of PAT: GRAPPA (Generalized Autocalibrating
Partial Parallel Acquisition) and mSENSE (modified Sensitivity
Encoding), thus increasing flexibility for the different requirements
of MR applications. Thanks to Tim and its broad iPAT capabilities,
outstanding image quality is achieved along with high-speed
acquisition performance and improved SNR. Tim features three
performance levels: the top-of-the-line Tim [76x32] (i.e. 76
seamlessly integrated coil elements and 32 receiver channels),
which not only accommodates clinical routine and demanding research,
but
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High-speed
PAT Factors in All 3 Dimensions
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REDEFINED
AND OPTIMIZED Parallel Imaging thanks to the new
Total imaging matrix technology. With Tim, high-speed
PAT factors (Parallel Acquisition Techniques) can
be applied in all three dimensions. Supporting the
highest acquisition speeds and image resolutions.
Tim allows full iPAT functionality including iPAT2
with PAT factors up to 12. Highest image quality
is provided by up to 100% more SNR for the most
clinically exceptional and relevant images. And:
no specific PAT coils are required. The Tim Assistant
intelligently helps to make Parallel Imaging easy
by recommending the appropriate PAT factors for
the selected application.
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is also open for
all future applications, such as interventional procedures.
Tim [76x18], with 18 anatomically optimized independent receiver
channels, provides Parallel Imaging in the full 50-cm field
of view, and Tim [32x8] for high-end clinical routine. There
is a level for every need.
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| REDEFINING
the concept of time: With Tim, matrix coils only need to
be positioned once. This dramatically reduces patient set-up. |
World
Premiere
When and where can
you meet Tim? Tim will make its debut at the 89th Scientific
Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiology Society of North
America, beginning in Chicago on November 30. Also in November,
the first Tim systems will be installed at key facilities in
New York and TŸbingen, Germany. As part of a special publication
on science and health innovations, Siemens recently used Tim
technology to perform a whole-body scan on Hannah Stockbauer,
one of the most successful female swimmers in German history.
Hannah, 21, who won three gold medals this summer at the 10th
FINA World Swimming Championships in Barcelona, is currently
doing an internship at Siemens.
| The
Benefits of Tim and MAGNETOM Avanto at a Glance |
Clinical
Benefits:
- Outstanding
image quality with up to 100 percent more SNR,
for whole-body and local MR imaging
- A
total FoV of 205 cm can be scanned without any
coil reconfigurations or patient repositioning
- Excellent
temporal resolution with the strongest gradients
currently available in the industry
- Unlimited
Parallel Imaging seamlessly throughout the whole-body,
and in all directions. No specific PAT coils required
- True
whole-body MR enables first-ever optimized visualization
and staging of systemic diseases
Business
Benefits:
- More
patients per day due to the highest workflow efficiency
-
More referrals due to greatly expanded MR services
and applications
- Attracting
more technicians due to most advanced MR system
- Less
siting costs due to AudioComfort and less noise
damping
- Always
state-of-the-art technology with the MAGNETOM
Evolve program
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More revenue with less operating costs, powerful
return on investment
Patient
Benefits:
- Stress-free
MRI with reduced exam time (patients need to be
positioned only once, and a high-quality whole-body
MRI can take as little as 12 minutes)
- Virtually
all applications can be performed feet first,
thus reducing patient anxiety
- Breath
holding reduced by up to 50 percent
- 97
percent less acoustic noise with Audioomfort
- Less
burden due to ultralight-weighted coils
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EASIER
FOR EVERYONE: With Tim nearly all MR procedures can
be performed as feet-first exams.
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