Understanding Ultra High-Field MRI Systems: A Comprehensive Guide

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Understanding Ultra High-Field MRI Systems A
Comprehensive Guide
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By Vikki Harmonay
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Most hospitals use MRI systems with field
strengths between 1.5T and 3T. However, now there
are Ultra high-field MRI systems that produce
magnetic fields at 7T. Ultra high-field MRI
systems were just approved for clinical imaging
in 2020, so they arent common in hospital
settings yet, but its good to understand their
capabilities. MRI image quality is dependent
upon the strength of the magnetic field.
Different magnetic field strengths are used for
different purposes. Lets take a closer look at
the four types of magnetic field strengths for
MRI.
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• Low-field MRIs produce magnetic fields less than
  0.3T. Since scan speed is dependent upon the
  strength of the magnetic field, these low-field
  MRI scans take longer to perform. They are ideal
  for extremity images of hands, arms, legs and
  feet.
• Medium-field MRIs produce magnetic fields between
  0.3T-1T. These are usually open systems so the
  patient isnt completely enclosed. They are
  commonly used for images of the torso and head.
• High-field MRIs produce magnetic fields between
  1T-3T. They are closed MRI systems, so the
  patient is surrounded by the magnet except for
  where they entered on their back. The system
  creates higher resolution images so its easier
  to diagnose certain conditions.
• Ultra high-field MRIs produce magnetic fields at
  7T or higher. The most powerful MRI systems
  available, they are ideal for diagnosing and
  tracking neurological conditions.

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A 7T MRI captures anatomical images and
functional images that are more than twice the
resolution of those generated by a 1.5T system.
This allows physicians to make much more accurate
diagnoses in patients with musculoskeletal and
neurological conditions. Ultra high-field MRIs
can diagnose and track epilepsy, Alzheimers
disease, Parkinsons disease, brain tumors,
cerebrovascular diseases, traumatic brain
injuries and more. In addition, a 7T MRI systems
can be used to perform a virtual biopsy to assess
Multiple Sclerosis and visualize cortical lesions
and central veins in white matter lesions. In
addition, an Ultra high-field MRI can capture
non-invasive, detailed pictures for orthopedic
surgeons. Using a 7T MRI, the surgeon would get
to the source of a patients knee pain, thanks to
detailed images of the trabecular bone, tendon
and soft tissue.
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• One of the surprising things about Ultra
  high-field MRIs is that the magnets used in 7T
  MRI system are 50 lighter than the magnets used
  in previous MRI systems. You dont need a
  significantly larger space for Ultra high-field
  MRI systems and you dont have to refill the
  systems liquid helium more often eitherthanks
  to the use of zero helium boil-off technology.
• What Are The Disadvantages of Ultra High-Field
  MRI Systems?
• The cost of a 7T MRI is significantly
  higheralmost twice as expensive as a 3T system.
  It can cost 7-12 million for a 7T MRI system.
• The specific absorption rate (SAR) is much higher
  because of the more powerful magnetic field
  produced by a 7T system.
• The FDA set SAR limits to make sure patients are
  safe during high-powered MRI scans. 7T systems
  are equipped with monitoring systems to ensure
  SAR limits arent surpassed.

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• Ferrous metal objects are more susceptible to the
  magnetic field products by 7T MRI systems. As
  long as safety precautions are used, there
  shouldnt be a risk.
• Is An Ultra High-Field MRI Right For You?
• If you see a lot of patients with neurological
  diseases or musculoskeletal conditions, a 7T MRI
  system might be worth the expense. If not, a 1.5T
  or 3T MRI is capable of providing the
  high-quality imaging you need for diagnostics.

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Talk to An Expert Whether you offer an MRI Suite
or Mobile MRI unit, you want to be confident that
you are providing the medical imaging your
patients need. Atlantis Worldwide has been
helping healthcare professionals choose the
right medical imaging equipment to fit their
performance needs and budget limitations.
Oftentimes, a used or refurbished MRI, CT Scanner
or other medical imaging system is the perfect
solution. Talk to Atlantis Worldwide
today. Contact Us Today!
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