Multiple Channel Coils

At present, the following 8-channel coils are available: NeuroVascular, Body, CTL Spine and Cardiac coils.

The following new 8-channel coils are expected to be available in 2004: Extremity, Breast and Shoulder.

Currently in development are 16-32 channel Peripheral Vascular, NeuroVascular and Brain coils.

A 32-64 channel Torso coil is also in development.

Parallel Imaging Factors

At present, parallel imaging reduction factors of 2 and 4 are standard. In future, factors of up to 12 are expected.

VIBRANT
GE's VIBRANT (Volume Imaging for BReast AssessmeNT) breast imaging application was described. The technique provides sagittal plane, bilateral images by utilising GE's ASSET parallel imaging techniques.

The technique also uses patented fat saturation methods.

TRICKS
TRICKS (Time Resolved Imaging of Contrast KineticS) is a new angiography technique for realtime contrast imaging, particularly in the lower extremities.

By utilising the processing power of the EXCITE parallel imaging technology, visualisation of the arterial phase of both lower limbs is now possible.

GE recently completed an acquisition of the remaining shares of Amersham plc, the manufacturer of agents for diagnostic imaging.

The headquarters of Amersham plc are expected to remain in London, UK.

Multiple Element Coils

The Signa Infinity with EXCITE 1.5T is currently supplied with 8 channel coils for parallel imaging (EXCITE2). Sixteen channel coils (EXCITE3) will be available in 2004-05.

At present, a 32-channel system is installed at a site in Beth, Israel, but this is not expected to be commercially available until 2005-06.

Artefact Reduction Techniques

GE's PROPELLER imaging sequence has been demonstrated showing how it can overcome motion artefacts. It is currently available for head imaging, but is currently being developed for hepatic imaging.

Whole Body Imaging

Whole body imaging is currently a works in progress.

Existing GE installations will be able to support whole body imaging since, unlike other manufacturers, it will not rely on a minimum distance between the couch and wall of the scan room.

Whole body imaging will use a helical scanning method, utilising the integrated body coil.

Applications Software

GE's FUNCTOOL now has "Tip Virtual Assist". This enables remote radiologists to view image segmentation procedures.

Coils

GE's high-field systems have a number of multiple-element coils available, including 8-channel Head, Torso, General Purpose Flexible, CTL Spine and Wrist coils.

Cardiac and Shoulder coils will be available by the end of 2004.

SAR Management

GE's PERFORM SAR management has enabled the development of sequences previously though inappropriate for high field systems.

Sequences using the PERFORM technology have a lower SAR and are quieter. This has been achieved by optimising the coils and pulse sequences, rather than by reducing flip angles.

PERFORM also allows real-time monitoring of RF energy to protect patients.

GE's open systems are now available with their EXCITE parallel imaging technology.

Eight-channel neurovascular, head and body coils are available.

Software upgrades now also support diffusion weighting, bolus tracking, fat saturation and peripheral vascular imaging.