(Booth 2629) Hitachi Medical Systems America of Twinsburg, OH, will showcase its Oasis 1.2-tesla and Echelon 1.5-tesla MRI systems at this year's RSNA conference.
Hitachi began shipping Oasis, a high-field open MRI scanner, in July. Key proprietary Hitachi technologies on the system include its 1.2-tesla multistage iron-core magnet, higher order active shim technology (HOAST), Zenith radiofrequency (RF) coils for RF fat saturation, high signal-to-noise ratio, and signal uniformity.
The short-bore Echelon 1.5-tesla scanner shares many technologies with Oasis, with the exception of Echelon's high-performance horizontal-field magnet. Echelon is available in eight-channel XL and 16-channel XLS versions, with both models employing a 33/150 gradient system, the most powerful gradient available in a standard 1.5-tesla configuration, according to Hitachi.
Hitachi also deploys HOAST to the standard Echelon platform to promote off-isocenter RF fat saturation for enhanced patient comfort. Echelon's RF coil offering is expanded to include 16-channel brain and body coils, a 12-channel knee coil, a dedicated peripheral vascular coil, and a foot/ankle coil.
Hitachi also will highlight the clinical capabilities of its high-field MR scanners. The imaging architecture of Oasis and Echelon is the backbone of a suite of scanning and processing features that include Radar motion compensation for all planes and coils, TIGRE fast fat-suppressed 3D gradient-echo sequences for abdominal and breast applications, VASC noncontrast MR angiography, and Rapid 3D multiaxis parallel imaging.
In addition, Hitachi will detail plans to deliver version 5.1 of its Ascent software to users of its Altaire, Airis Elite, and Airis II MR scanners. Hitachi customers with warranty or Ultra Plus support coverage will receive new software features designed to promote workflow, enhance image quality, and expand clinical capability.