magnet at the time and incredibly reliable. However it was on the 7th floor
of a tower block.
In 2015, we had expanded to 3 private MRI (the other 2 in different
locations) and we needed all 3, but the Symphony was showing its age –
still fantastically reliable.
So we decided to do a complete FIT upgrade – cost about $750,000 USD –
Siemens upgraded absolutely everything except the gradient coils and core.
Fantastic decision – the upgrade was incredible and I actually published
the difference it made on knee MRI’s based on 2 MRI of professional ice
hockey players with the same age, height and weight etc – see attached –
figure 1.
We ran the symphony until 2020 until we made a decision to close the entire
facility. So the upgrade allowed us to get over 20 years out of a very
reliable MRI. So this is something to be considered depending on your
circumstances.
[image: image.png]
Lambert RGW et al Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Rheumatology. Magn Reson
Imaging Clin N Am. 2018 Nov;26(4):599-613.
Cheers,
Rob
On Mon, Mar 14, 2022 at 6:28 AM Ian T <mrimaging@gmail.com> wrote:
> Learnt a lot from the discussion !
>
> We have a range of units with 2 x 3T (both Siemens), mostly Siemens 1.5T
> with 1 GE and 1 Hitachi. Our extremity 1.5T GE MR430s just got taken out
> cos no more service support, otherwise it was a great lil’ magnet for MSK,
> esp claustro patients. Being replaced with a 1.5T Philips.
>
> Agree with the general feeling that Siemens is consistent across all our
> sites. One other consideration is that with magnet life-spans getting
> longer, both Siemens and GE are offering mid-life upgrades to many of their
> units. From the vendor’s point, better to upgrade and keep my customer
> base, rather than it being replaced with a competitor’s magnet.
>
> For the customer (us in radiology), the advantage is a shorter downtime
> and familiarity with the user interface and capabilities. GE calls it the
> “Lift” and Siemens “Fit”. So we’ve upgraded our GE Hdxt to an Explorer_lift
> and Siemens Trio to Prisma_fit, both about 4 years ago, both working well
> with no issues. Considering doing the same to 1 or 2 of our oldest Aera to
> get a Sola_fit.
>
> Ian Tsou
> Singapore
>
>
> On Mon, Mar 14, 2022 at 2:30 PM Colin Turner <doccolin@mweb.co.za> wrote:
>
>> Wow so many responses with so many great points and valuable insight.
>>
>>
>>
>> It’s really wonderful to be able to receive so many opinions in such a
>> short space of time.
>>
>>
>>
>> Overall I think the Siemens 1.5T will probably be the best fit for us so
>> will have to discuss with other relevant parties in our group going forward.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank you all for your advice and input.
>>
>>
>>
>> Kind regards
>>
>>
>>
>> Colin
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* ocad-msk@googlegroups.com <ocad-msk@googlegroups.com> *On Behalf
>> Of *Dr Colin Turner
>> *Sent:* 11 March 2022 08:32 AM
>> *To:* ‘OCAD_MSK’ <ocad-msk@googlegroups.com>
>> *Subject:* New MRI Machine
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Dear Ocader’s
>>
>>
>>
>> I work in a hospital with one MRI machine (currently Philips 1.5T which
>> is now nearing end of life) but am also part of a practice with other
>> branches that are also requiring new MRI machines very soon.
>>
>> We will be initially looking at 3 new machines.
>>
>>
>>
>> Please might I ask what everyone would recommend and advise with respect
>> to their own experiences with new machines. Philips, Siemens, Toshiba, uMR
>> etc.
>>
>>
>>
>> Also, is it inadvisable to purchase a 3.0T machine if that machine will
>> be a stand alone machine?
>>
>>
>>
>> I look forward to your insights.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks in advance
>>
>>
>>
>> Kind regards
>>
>>
>>
>> Colin
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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