GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC) has introduced SIGNA MAGNUS, a head-only magnetic resonance (MR) scanner awaiting FDA 510(k) approval. This cutting-edge technology aims to propel neuroscience research forward by addressing the limitations posed by traditional whole-body MR systems. Neuroscience, particularly in the realm of psychiatric disorders and neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, has been hindered by both technological and biological constraints, leaving many aspects of brain structure and function unexplored.
Currently, despite 43% of the global population being affected by neurological disorders, only a fraction can be diagnosed using MRI, highlighting the urgent need to expand the clinical applications of MRI within neuroscience. SIGNA MAGNUS represents GE HealthCare’s dedication to advancing MR imaging, specifically tailored for neurological and oncological research through head-only imaging. Positioned as the pinnacle of MR excellence, SIGNA MAGNUS promises unprecedented detail and clarity, facilitating deep exploration of brain microstructure, microvasculature, and function. This breakthrough technology aims to empower neuroscientists, neurologists, neuroradiologists, and oncologists to overcome barriers and enhance the diagnosis, understanding, and treatment of complex diseases.
Kelly Londy, CEO of MR GE HealthCare, emphasized that SIGNA MAGNUS not only provides a tool but also sets new standards in medical research and future clinical care. This innovation underscores GE HealthCare’s commitment to research and development, as well as its collaborations with academia, pushing the boundaries of MR imaging and its potential impact on patient outcomes and understanding of the human brain.
SIGNA MAGNUS boasts superior gradient performance with its HyperG gradient technology, featuring 300 mT/m and 750 T/m/s, enabling the detection of fine details previously unattainable. Researchers can harness its capabilities to explore advanced anatomical, diffusion, and functional techniques, enhanced by state-of-the-art deep-learning algorithms. The system’s innovative asymmetric gradient design facilitates remarkable diffusion performance, shedding light on neural architecture.
Furthermore, many GE HealthCare 3.0T systems are upgradable to SIGNA MAGNUS, offering potential cost savings for customers. The investigational MAGNUS system was successfully installed at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in March 2024, where it will enable groundbreaking research in high-performance neuro MR. Carl-Fredrik Westin, PhD, the project’s principal investigator, highlighted the system’s potential to measure previously unattainable parameters and ask previously unanswerable questions.
By fostering innovation and collaboration, GE HealthCare continues to lead the transformation of medical research and healthcare delivery, with a focus on translating scientific advancements into meaningful health outcomes for patients worldwide.
Learn more about SIGNA MAGNUS at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) Annual Meeting, taking place from May 4-9, 2024, in Singapore, or online at gehealthcare.com.
