Siemens Healthineers has recently made a remarkable stride in the field of medical imaging by introducing two groundbreaking technologies in Romania: the MAGNETOM Free.Star and MAGNETOM Flow MRI systems. These installations are set to revolutionize healthcare technology in the region, enhancing both the diagnostic capabilities and patient care experiences.
The first MAGNETOM Free.Star MRI machine was installed at the ARHIMED Radiology center in Iași, signaling a new chapter for advanced medical imaging services. This machine is notable for its innovative features, including a 0.55T magnetic field intensity. It employs cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology, specifically Deep Learning neural network-based reconstruction, which allows it to produce high-resolution images in acquisition times that are on par with traditional MRI systems operating at 1.5T or 3T levels for certain conditions.
Dr. Oana Arhire, the Medical Coordinator at the ARHIMED Radiology, expressed pride in acquiring this revolutionary technology. "Siemens Healthineers has been our trusted partner from the beginning. We chose their equipment for its clarity, technological innovations, reliability, and excellent technical support," she stated. This partnership underscores the clinic's commitment to providing high-quality diagnostic imaging services to their patients.
The MAGNETOM Free.Star is designed with patient comfort in mind. Its tunnel diameter of 60 cm accommodates patients who may feel claustrophobic, while advanced gradient vibration suppression technology reduces noise levels during scans. Notably, the machine's AI capabilities streamline workflows, making the process smoother and more efficient.
In addition to the MAGNETOM Free.Star, Siemens Healthineers also announced the establishment of the MAGNETOM Flow system during a special event held on April 24, 2024, at the Dorna Medical Clinic in Borșa. This marked a significant moment, as the MAGNETOM Flow technology represents the first 1.5T MRI platform with a unique closed helium circuit design, drastically improving efficiency and sustainability in medical imaging.
The MAGNETOM Flow not only enhances image quality but is also designed to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. With Dry Cool technology, the need for helium cooling has dropped significantly—from about 1,500 liters to just 0.7 liters. This reduction translates into lower resource consumption, which is critical at a time when healthcare facilities are increasingly under pressure to operate efficiently and sustainably.
At the launch event, multiple stakeholders, including prominent medical professionals and government representatives, discussed the implications of firepower technology for healthcare in Romania. Claudia Oanea, Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers Romania, remarked, "By introducing this platform for the first time in the world in a clinic in Romania, Dorna Medical, we reaffirm our commitment to revolutionizing the medical industry in our country." This dedication is particularly noticeable in the way the MAGNETOM Flow streamlines imaging procedures, allowing for a reduction in patient slot times and a better overall experience.
Indeed, one of the standout features of the MAGNETOM Flow is its ability to provide rapid and precise diagnoses without compromising image quality. The high degree of automation simplifies complex workflows, which is especially beneficial in a field that can be extremely challenging for even experienced personnel to navigate. "Magnetom Flow simplifies the entire workflow for our team and enables efficient operation with only a short training time," noted Dr. Markus Kopp from Germany's Uniklinikum Erlangen.
Using advanced AI-supported image reconstruction, the system can cut measurement times by up to 50%. Moreover, the image quality it provides is reportedly double that of previous models, increasing overall patient throughput in a clinical setting. Such advancements not only elevate the standard of diagnostic care but also promote a quicker turnaround for patients awaiting results.
The collaboration between Siemens Healthineers and the Dorna Medical Clinic embodies a powerful partnership between the public and private sectors, aimed at enhancing access to advanced medical technologies in underserved areas. Patients in the Borșa region, who previously faced long travels exceeding 100 kilometers for MRI services, will now have local access to top-tier diagnostic imaging.
Siemens Healthineers' commitment extends beyond just providing equipment; they emphasize sustainable practices and minimizing environmental impact through their innovative technologies. Sonja Wehsely, Executive Vice President CEECA Siemens Healthineers, highlighted this during the event by stating, "The introduction of one of the first MAGNETOM Flow worldwide in Romania exemplifies our commitment to enhancing healthcare through sustainable innovation. This system is designed with energy efficiency and reduced resource utilization in mind. By investing in technologies like MAGNETOM Flow, we are not only advancing medical diagnostics, but we are taking a critical step towards our goal of making healthcare both high -quality and sustainable.”
Moreover, the compact design of the MAGNETOM Flow enhances installation capabilities, allowing it to fit into various healthcare settings without the usual extensive structural modifications required by many conventional MRI systems. Installation becomes easier and more economical, encouraging medical facilities to adopt this state-of-the-art technology without the burden of significant additional costs.
The introduction of the MAGNETOM Free.Star and MAGNETOM Flow technologies marks a pivotal moment for healthcare in Romania, setting a higher standard for medical imaging while focusing on patient comfort, operational efficiency, and sustainability. This leap not only ensures better health outcomes for patients but also places Romania on the map as a leader in innovative healthcare technology.
With Siemens Healthineers at the forefront of this medical breakthrough, the future of diagnostic imaging in Romania appears bright, filled with new possibilities for healthcare providers and patients alike as they navigate the complex landscape of modern medicine.