PET/MR Machines – A Comparison

Three imaging companies have produced PET/MR technology that are either in the works, or commercially available. Here they are, at a glance:

SIEMENS HEALTHCARE BIOGRAPH MMR
How it works: PET and MR technology is housed in one device, providing a single image. A PET ring detector fits inside a 3T magnet combine, simultaneously acquiring MR anatomical data and PET functional data.

Features: patient only gets scanned once

Claims: Can scan the body in 30 minutes (versus one hour or more for sequential exams). Touts speed, lower radiation dose and greater anatomical data.

Space needed: one room

Available in U.S.? Yes, FDA approval on June 10, 2011

More information

Demonstration

PHILIPS INGENUITY TF SYSTEM
How it works: Places MR and PET scanners almost 10 feet apart, with the patient table in the middle. The table rotates so the patient will be scanned in the exact same position in each machine sequentially. Data are merged via specialized software.

Features: The PET and MR machines can also work independently.

Claims: industry’s first commercially available whole body PET/MR imaging system. Also claims to produce up to 70 percent less ionizing radiation than the PET/CT.

Space needed: one room

Available in the U.S.? No, but it received its European CE Mark in January, 2011
 

More information
 

Demonstration: 

GE PET/CT + MRI
How it works: combines the data, not the equipment. MR and PET exams are performed sequentially, with a shared patient transport gurney system. Patient remains in same position on the table, moving between rooms/devices. After sequential exams, the GE system merges the data set.

Features: Can also use PET/CT and MRI independently.

Company claims: a financially responsible solution 

Available in U.S.? Yes

Space needed: two rooms

More information

Demonstration