Hitachi gets clearance for MRI scanners

Hitachi Medical Systems America of Twinsburg, OH, has received 510(k) clearance for its Airis II and Stratis II MRI scanners. Both systems feature improvements over previous Airis and Stratis models, and were introduced at last year's Radiological Society of North America meeting (SCAN Special Report 12/97). Airis II is a 0.3-tesla open-style scanner, while Stratis II is a 1.5-tesla short-bore style system.

In related news, Hitachi announced that it has shipped its 250th Airis system, a sign that the company continues to do well in the open-magnet segment. The 250th Airis was acquired by Medical Imaging & Diagnostics for an open MRI center in Schaumburg, IL.