New 3T MRI Whole-Body Scanner with Strongest-Ever Gradient System Captures Images Faster

By MedImaging International staff writers
Posted on 05 Jan 2024

Image: The MAGNETOM Cima.X features the industry’s strongest gradients on a clinically available 3T MR scanner (Photo courtesy of Siemens)

In the field of medical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acts as a vital tool in diagnosing and understanding a wide array of conditions, from cancer to neurological disorders. Despite considerable advancements in medical science and technology, certain diseases are yet to be completely understood, with patient care challenges persisting for medical professionals. Now, a new scanner is pushing the boundaries of high-end 3 Tesla (3T) MRI to support clinicians and scientists in their mission to address these challenges and ultimately improve patient care.

The MAGNETOM Cima.X from Siemens Healthineers (Erlangen, Germany) is a 3T MRI whole-body scanner with the strongest-ever gradient system for a clinically released whole-body MR scanner. This advancement makes smaller structures in the body visible and captures images faster than previous MR scanners. The MAGNETOM Cima.X comes with innovative features designed to bolster scientific research and address major imaging challenges, particularly in cancer detection and other diseases. Central to the MAGNETOM Cima.X's performance is its industry-leading Gemini Gradients, boasting an amplitude of 200 mT/m and a slew rate of 200 T/m/s. These gradients, 2.5 times stronger than the most powerful whole-body MR gradients from Siemens currently available, mark a new era in gradient systems for clinically available whole-body MR scanners. Such high gradient levels are crucial in enhancing the study of neurodegenerative diseases by revealing microstructures that cannot be seen clearly in standard MR scans and can be leveraged across the body.

The MAGNETOM Cima.X introduces standard features to assist the research community in addressing significant imaging challenges. Its Physiologging feature provides precise, time-stamped physiological data, including heart and respiratory rates during functional brain imaging, a capability previously unavailable. This synchronized sensor data allows clinicians to more accurately assess brain activation relative to a patient's respiratory activity. Additionally, the Open Recon platform enables custom algorithm execution for image reconstructions directly on the scanner, facilitating immediate MR image reconstruction and seamless data sharing to promote research.

Several key features from other Siemens MR scanners are incorporated into the MAGNETOM Cima.X, enhancing its clinical performance. For instance, BioMatrix technology adjusts for user variability and patient differences, reducing rescans and enhancing MR cost efficiency. Deep Resolve, driven by artificial intelligence, accelerates MR scans to improve workflow and patient experience. Moreover, the myExam Companion workflow solution, also AI-powered, aids radiologic technologists in navigating MR exams to achieve consistent, high-quality results. Siemens has received the US Food and Drug Administration’s clearance for the MAGNETOM Cima.X.

“With the FDA clearance of the MAGNETOM Cima.X, Siemens Healthineers proudly offers the scientific and medical communities a whole-body 3T MR scanner that can deliver penetrating new insights into oncologic, cardiac, and neurodegenerative disease,” said Katie Grant, vice president of magnetic resonance at Siemens Healthineers North America.