GE Open MR Scanners to Offer Expanded Range of Clinical Applications; Increased Diagnostic Power of Signa OpenSpeed and Signa Ovation "Widen Gap" in Open MR Technologies.

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

WAUKESHA, Wis. and CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 3, 2002

GE Medical Systems announced that it has added several enhancements to its industry-leading Signa(R) OpenSpeed(TM) and Signa Ovation(TM) open magnetic resonance (MR) scanners. New software and hardware packages will extend the clinical capabilities of the two systems, enabling high-resolution studies on a broader range of patients.

The OpenSpeed system now can be configured with Diffusion-Weighted Echo Planar Imaging (DWEPI) for acute stroke detection and with FIESTA imaging, a fast, high-resolution imaging sequence. Ovation includes new productivity features and a 72-inch (183 cm) flexible body coil, enabling higher-resolution studies of even the largest patients. GE will showcase both systems at the Radiological Society of North America's (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago.

"These enhancements widen the gap between GE and other open MR technologies on the market," said Dennis Cooke, General Manager of Global MR for GE Medical Systems. "We continue to migrate powerful imaging applications from our high-field MR systems to our open scanners. A testament to the value of this migration is that major academic institutions, which have historically used only cylindrical systems, now are performing advanced studies using GE open scanners."

OpenSpeed enhancements

The 0.7T OpenSpeed scanner, introduced in 1999, accommodates a wide range of clinical studies. Its speed and high resolution enable routine studies of the central nervous system, body, joints, extremities and vascular anatomy. Meanwhile, its higher field strength and excellent magnet homogeneity support advanced applications such as bolus-triggered angiography, chemical fat saturation, and real-time interactive image acquisition. Its open architecture provides access for interventional procedures such as breast and body biopsies, and kinematic joint studies of the knee, wrist, neck, and ankle.

DWEPI gives the OpenSpeed system a widely used exam mode for quickly detecting acute stroke and distinguishing a stroke from a tumor. Fast acquisition is important because stroke patients may be uncooperative and unwilling or unable to remain motionless. DWEPI is performed routinely in head studies.

"Stroke patients represent a significant population that now can be imaged on open MR scanners," said Cooke. "This is another reason leading clinicians are choosing 0.7T open MR technology."

FIESTA is another advanced application migrated from high-field systems. It enables very high-resolution inner ear canal (IAC) and spine imaging.

Signa Ovation enhancements

The 0.35T Signa Ovation is designed as a patient-friendly MR scanner. With 56 inches (142 cm) between the offset posts, patient-adjustable lighting and ventilation systems, and a completely open design, it provides the industry's largest patient space and the greatest patient comfort.

The new flexible XL body coil gives Signa Ovation complete capability to acquire high-quality images of even the largest patients. The new coil complements the unit's existing integrated body coil.

"Until now, larger patients were scanned with the integrated body coil," said Cooke. "Scanning with the new XL body coil gives a much higher signal-to-noise ratio and ability to optimize scan time and resolution. The addition of the new, larger coil, improves signal-to-noise by about 30 percent for body imaging of larger patients."

Signa Ovation scanner enhancements also include an improved computer platform that enables productivity increases: four times faster image reconstruction, four times faster filtering speed, three times greater image storage space, and a faster user interface.

"Advances like these in our OpenSpeed and Signa Ovation scanners are among reasons why GE is the world's fastest-growing MR imaging company," said Cooke.

About GE Medical Systems

GE Medical Systems is a $9 billion global leader in medical imaging, healthcare services, and information technology. Its offerings include networking and productivity tools, clinical information systems, patient monitoring systems, conventional and digital X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, ultrasound and bone mineral densitometry, positron emission tomography, nuclear medicine, and a comprehensive portfolio of clinical and business services. For more than 100 years, health care providers worldwide have relied on GE Medical Systems for high quality medical technology and productivity solutions. For more information, visit the GE Medical Systems Web site at gemedical.com.