FDA clears GE wide-bore MRI

GE Healthcare has received FDA clearance for its Optima MR450w, a new 70-cm bore, 1.5T MRI system. The larger-bore platform is commonly touted for patients who are obese or claustrophobic.

Built on the redesigned MR platform of the Discovery MR750, the system allows users to scan with more anatomy with its 50-cm field of view, enabling two-station spine imaging with multiple contrasts. The company said its system has advantages for hospital emergency and trauma departments.

GE said the Optima MR450w includes the following features:
  • New magnet: a 145-cm long magnet is designed for uniform tissue contrast;
  • eXtreme gradients: whole-body gradients that deliver 34 mT/m amplitude and 150 T/m/s slew rate on each axis;
  • OpTix RF digital receiver: an optical RF system;
  • Anatomy-optimized RF coils; and
  • Express patient table: a removable table.

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