Philips unveils next-generation BlueSeal helium-free MRI system, integrated with AI-enabled Smart Reading at #RSNA24
Philips has unveiled its next-generation 1.5T BlueSeal MR wide-bore scanner at RSNA 2024, featuring a 70 cm wide-bore design and integrated AI-enabled MR Smart Workflow solutions. The system is helium-free, making it the lightest 1.5T 70cm MRI system available, up to 1700kg lighter than conventional systems. The scanner integrates Smart Reading technology, a cloud-based AI toolset partnering with icometrix and Quibim for neurological and prostate cancer diagnostics. Key features include SmartSpeed technology offering up to 65% higher resolution or 3x faster scanning, and AI-enabled workflow solutions for enhanced efficiency. The system requires only 7 liters of helium that never needs refilling and saves nearly 40mWh in energy annually.
Philips ha svelato il suo scanner MR BlueSeal di nuova generazione da 1.5T all'RSNA 2024, dotato di un design con un'apertura larga 70 cm e soluzioni integrate di workflow MR intelligenti abilitati all'IA. Il sistema è privo di elio, rendendolo il sistema MRI 1.5T da 70 cm più leggero disponibile, fino a 1700 kg più leggero rispetto ai sistemi convenzionali. Lo scanner integra la tecnologia Smart Reading, un insieme di strumenti AI basati su cloud sviluppato in collaborazione con icometrix e Quibim per la diagnostica neurologica e il cancro alla prostata. Le caratteristiche principali includono la tecnologia SmartSpeed che offre fino al 65% di risoluzione in più o scansioni fino a 3 volte più veloci, e soluzioni di workflow abilitate all'IA per una maggiore efficienza. Il sistema richiede solo 7 litri di elio che non necessitano di ricarica e consente un risparmio di quasi 40 mWh di energia all'anno.
Philips ha presentado su escáner MR BlueSeal de próxima generación de 1.5T en RSNA 2024, que cuenta con un diseño de boca ancha de 70 cm y soluciones de flujo de trabajo inteligentes habilitadas por IA. El sistema es libre de helio, lo que lo convierte en el sistema de MRI de 1.5T de 70 cm más liviano disponible, hasta 1700 kg más ligero que los sistemas convencionales. El escáner integra la tecnología Smart Reading, un conjunto de herramientas de IA basado en la nube en asociación con icometrix y Quibim para diagnósticos neurológicos y de cáncer de próstata. Las características clave incluyen la tecnología SmartSpeed que ofrece hasta un 65% más de resolución o escaneo hasta 3 veces más rápido, y soluciones de flujo de trabajo habilitadas por IA para una mayor eficiencia. El sistema requiere solo 7 litros de helio que nunca necesita recargar y ahorra casi 40 mWh de energía anualmente.
필립스가 RSNA 2024에서 차세대 1.5T BlueSeal MR 와이드 보어 스캐너를 선보였습니다. 이 스캐너는 70cm의 와이드 보어 디자인과 통합 AI 지원 MR 스마트 워크플로우 솔루션을 특징으로 합니다. 본 시스템은 헬륨이 필요 없는 시스템으로, 기존 시스템보다 최대 1700kg 가벼운 가장 가벼운 1.5T 70cm MRI 시스템입니다. 이 스캐너는 icometrix 및 Quibim과 협력하여 신경학적 및 전립선암 진단을 위한 클라우드 기반 AI 도구 세트를 통합한 스마트 리딩 기술을 통합하고 있습니다. 주요 기능으로는 최대 65% 더 높은 해상도 또는 3배 더 빠른 스캔을 제공하는 스마트 스피드 기술과 효율성을 높이기 위한 AI 지원 워크플로우 솔루션이 포함되어 있습니다. 이 시스템은 리필할 필요가 없는 7리터의 헬륨만 필요하며 연간 거의 40mWh의 에너지를 절약합니다.
Philips a présenté son scanner MR BlueSeal de nouvelle génération de 1,5T au RSNA 2024, caractérisé par un design à large ouverture de 70 cm et des solutions de workflow MR intelligentes intégrées activées par l'IA. Le système est sans hélium, ce qui en fait le système d'IRM de 1,5T de 70 cm le plus léger disponible, jusqu'à 1700 kg plus léger que les systèmes conventionnels. Le scanner intègre la technologie Smart Reading, un ensemble d'outils d'IA basé sur le cloud, en partenariat avec icometrix et Quibim pour les diagnostics neurologiques et du cancer de la prostate. Les caractéristiques principales comprennent la technologie SmartSpeed offrant jusqu'à 65 % de résolution en plus ou une numérisation jusqu'à 3 fois plus rapide, ainsi que des solutions de workflow activées par l'IA pour une efficacité améliorée. Le système nécessite seulement 7 litres d'hélium qui n'ont jamais besoin d'être remplis et permet d'économiser près de 40 mWh d'énergie par an.
Philips hat auf der RSNA 2024 seinen neuen 1,5T BlueSeal MR Weitbereichsscanner vorgestellt, der über ein 70 cm breites Öffnungsdesign und integrierte KI-gestützte MR Smart Workflow-Lösungen verfügt. Das System ist heliumfrei, was es zum leichtesten 1,5T 70cm MRI-System macht – bis zu 1700 kg leichter als herkömmliche Systeme. Der Scanner integriert Smart Reading-Technologie, ein cloudbasiertes KI-Werkzeugset in Partnerschaft mit icometrix und Quibim für neurologische und Prostatakrebsdiagnosen. Zu den Hauptmerkmalen gehören SmartSpeed-Technologie, die bis zu 65 % höhere Auflösung oder 3-mal schnellere Scans bietet, und KI-gestützte Workflow-Lösungen für verbesserte Effizienz. Das System benötigt lediglich 7 Liter Helium, die niemals nachgefüllt werden müssen, und spart jährlich nahezu 40 mWh Energie.
- System achieves up to 65% higher resolution or 3x faster scanning speeds
- Increased patient throughput from 32-35 to 40 patients per day demonstrated at MRT Praxis Potsdam
- Saves nearly 40mWh in energy per year, reducing operational costs
- Requires only 7 liters of helium vs. conventional systems, eliminating refill costs
- 1700kg lighter design enables more flexible installation options
- to 1.5T magnetic field strength, potentially restricting certain advanced applications
Insights
The next-generation BlueSeal MRI system represents a significant technological advancement with substantial market implications. The helium-free design addresses critical supply chain and cost challenges in the medical imaging sector, while the AI integration across the entire workflow positions Philips competitively in the high-value MRI market.
Key business advantages include:
- Reduced operational costs through helium-free operation and
40mWh annual energy savings - Increased patient throughput potential of
25% (from 32-35 to 40 patients daily) - Expanded market reach through flexible installation options due to 1700kg lighter design
The integration of AI-enabled quantitative reporting tools through partnerships with icometrix and Quibim strengthens Philips' competitive position in key growth markets like neurology and oncology. This development could drive market share gains and recurring revenue through software services.
The operational efficiency gains from this system are substantial. The 80% automation rate for exam planning and processing, combined with up to 3x faster scanning capabilities, directly addresses healthcare providers' capacity constraints and staffing challenges.
The system's installation flexibility and reduced infrastructure requirements (no vent pipe needed) make it particularly valuable for:
- Rural and remote healthcare facilities
- Facilities with construction limitations
- Mobile imaging units
With over 1,500 BlueSeal systems already installed globally, this proven technology's expansion into wide-bore applications opens new market segments, particularly in regions with helium infrastructure or challenging logistics.
Nov. 21, 2024
- Industry’s first wide bore, high-performance helium-free [1] 1.5T MR features AI assistance at every step in the MRI workflow, with seamless integration of cloud-based AI image reading and reporting tools on the MR scanner
- Philips BlueSeal helium-free magnet combined with compact and lightweight design allows flexibility of installations in difficult and remote locations to improve wider access to advanced MRI
- Philips’ award-winning [2] AI-based SmartSpeed image reconstruction technology delivers exceptional image quality to save time and improve outcomes with up to
65% higher resolution or up to 3x faster scanning [3]
Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced its next-generation 1.5T BlueSeal MR wide-bore scanner will be unveiled at RSNA 2024. The latest generation scanner features a 70 cm wide-bore design and integrates AI-enabled MR Smart Workflow solutions, designed to enhance access and diagnostic confidence to improve outcomes for more patients. The MR Smart Workflow solutions increase daily patient throughput without compromising diagnostic quality to address the needs of high-demand healthcare environments.
Key to this latest innovation is Philips’ unique Smart Reading technology, a cloud-based AI toolset that integrates imaging and reading on the MR scanner. In partnership with computer-aided diagnostics company icometrix (Leuven, Belgium) for neurological indications like Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis, and imaging biomarker specialist Quibim for prostate cancer, Smart Reading drives precision diagnosis to a new level by providing fully automated AI-based quantitative reports.
Also differentiating Philips in the industry is the eco-friendly design of the BlueSeal MRI with helium-free operations, making it the lightest 1.5T 70cm MRI system available today [4]. Up to 1700kg lighter [4] and no need for a vent pipe, it enables flexible installations in new locations, including elevated floors or indoor sites with construction limitations, bringing quality MRI to more patients, where helium logistics are challenging or costly.
“Philips invented helium-free operations in MRI, and since its launch in 2018, we have installed more than 1,500 BlueSeal systems globally in wide-ranging settings including the world’s first helium-free mobile MRI units. With AI applications seamlessly integrated into our latest 1.5T BlueSeal scanner, we have now applied AI to every aspect of the MRI workflow – from patient set-up and high-resolution image capture to quantitative data extraction, advanced diagnostics, and reporting. With this latest innovation, we continue our commitment to deliver wider access to quality MRI to more patients across multiple settings,” said Ioannis Panagiotelis, PhD, Global Business Leader MRI at Philips.
The value of Philips BlueSeal technology is also recognized by customers worldwide including MRT Praxis Potsdam in Germany, who have realized a massive increase in patient throughput from 32-35 to 40 patients per day with a BlueSeal MRI equipped with SmartSpeed [5].
AI-enabled workflow, planning and image acquisition
In fast-growing areas such as neurology, oncology and cardiology where MRI is an important tool, improving patient outcomes requires the acquisition of more diagnostic information without compromising scan time and efficiency or adding complexity. Seamlessly integrated into Philips’ new wide-bore BlueSeal MR system, the company’s Smart Workflow planning and image acquisition solutions leverage the power of AI to support technologists through every step of the MRI process, from scheduling to patient set-up. This suite of AI-enabled workflow solutions delivers fast, consistent, and precise imaging, to help maximize efficiency and enhance diagnostic confidence. Key components include:
SmartExam automates MRI exam planning, scanning, and processing for up to
SmartFit coils give technologists freedom to position the ultra-light weight coils with flexible bending greater than 90 degrees, while taking patient comfort to the next level [7];
SmartSpeed offers up to
SmartQuant AI-enhanced quantitative MR solution generates fast, high-quality, quantitative MR images for multiple anatomies including brain, spine, MSK, liver and heart to generate more objective diagnostic information in very short scan times;
SmartReading’s unique integration of imaging and reading capabilities on the MR scanner enables fully automated 0-click [9] generation of AI-based quantitative reports.
Philips industry-leading BlueSeal MR
Preloaded with only 7 liters of helium – which never needs refilling, even in the event of an emergency shutdown – Philips has saved nearly 2.75 million liters to date [10]. While needing only a fraction of a typical scanner’s helium volume, the 7 liters in a BlueSeal scanner also has a high thermal capacity to keep the magnet cold and super conductive for more than 4 hours in the event of a power outage [11] – a critical consideration in many locations worldwide. Philips BlueSeal MRI systems are also designed to minimize vital energy consumption and reduce a center’s carbon footprint, helping to meet both financial and environmental goals by saving nearly 40mWh in energy per year.
The next generation Philips BlueSeal 1.5T will be demonstrated in the Philips booth (#6730) at the Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting (RSNA 2024, December 1-4, Chicago, USA). Visit Philips at RSNA for more information.
[1] Helium-free operations. 7 liters of helium is permanently enclosed in the cryogenic circuit.
[2] Adaptive-C-SENSE-Net technology is the winner of the FastMRI Challenge hosted by Facebook AI Research and NYU Langone Health (2019).
[3] Compared to Philips SENSE imaging.
[4] Compared to conventional 1.5T zero boil off systems in the industry BlueSeal MR system weight (with cryogen) 2,300 kg (5,071 lbs).
[5] Results from case studies are not predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.
[6] SmartExam is not available to patients with MR Conditional Implants.
[7] 1.5T SmartFit TorsoCardiac
[8] On average, measured across a sample of sites from Philips MR Installed Base.
[9] 0-click workflow refers to steps after completion of data-acquisition to AI processing. No additional user-interaction is required to send data to the External application cloud and to receive reports in PACS.
[10] The amount of liquid helium saved is a calculation compared to a classic magnet with 1500 liters of helium.
[11] On average, determined based on actual installed-base data. Results may vary per system.
For further information, please contact:
Kathy O’Reilly
Philips Global Press Office
Tel.: +1 978-221-8919
E-mail: kathy.oreilly@philips.com
About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips’ patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring, and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2023 sales of EUR 18.2 billion and employs approximately 69,300 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter
Attachments
- BlueSeal 1.5T MRI side view
- BlueSeal 1.5T MRI front view
- Next generation BlueSeal 1.5T MRI system in use
- MR technologist reviewing neuro images in AI reporting
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