The centre performs scans on 3T MAGNETOM Skyra and 1.5T MAGNETOM Avanto MRI scanners (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). The facility receives an extremely high level of technical and engineering support from Siemens, including specialised staff training and supply of works-in-progress pre-release software.
This is the first MRI venture in New Zealand to focus on high-end clinical and research work as well as routine clinical imaging. Being a research facility, the installation performs to much higher specifications and tolerances than standard installations.
3T Siemens Skyra
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The Skyra is the first 3T Tim + DOT system and represents the latest generation of MRI technology including a completely redesigned RF system and all-new coil architecture. The MAGNETOM Skyra with its industry leading 70 cm bore and length of only 173 cm provides a patient friendly appearance that can significantly help patients with anxiety or claustrophobia. The patient weight limit for this system is 250 kg. The combination of this very high table weight limit and large bore is well suited to obese patients. The XQ gradients combine 45 mT/m peak amplitude with a slew rate of 200 mT/m/msec. Up to 204 simultaneously connected coil elements, in combination with the 48 independent parallel RF channels, allow for the most flexible parallel imaging and support the most demanding applications. |
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3T Skyra Coils
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The dedicated high channel count coils available at CAMRI include:
This selection includes virtually the full range offered by Siemens on this system. |
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1.5T Magnetom Avanto
This system is capable of reaching gradient amplitudes of 45 mT/m, slew rates of up to 200 mT/m/s, and is equipped with parallel imaging (iPAT) and Total Imaging Matrix (TIM) technology. The receiver has 18 parallel RF channels, leading to greatly enhanced signal to noise ratio and resolution capabilities.
Equipment
Skyra site
MMWP
CIM computer – Cardiac Image Modeller CIM is specifically for analysis of cardiovascular MR images. Features of this system are 2D animations, 3D modelling and volume analysis of the left ventricle.
Apple iMAC – supports researchers' software and Osirix (a Dicom viewer).
SyngoVia clients
Avanto site
In conjunction with the MRI console there is an offline Siemens Leonardo workstation. This has Argus software as well as standard Syngo post-processing functionality.
Licenses
fMRI accessories
The MRI suite has devices for visual stimulus presentation (LCD projector and rear projection screen) and also a push-button mouse response device. Other fMRI accessories and equipment are currently being reviewed.