Step into the future with Philips' MRI innovations

Over the past 15 years, MRI has undergone remarkable advancements, improving user experience, image quality, and workflow efficiency. Rocío Muñoz, a senior technician at Hospital Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Madrid, Spain, shares her first-hand experience with these innovations and their impact on daily operations.

Image description: A professional woman in a medical coat is looking at a computer screen, suggesting a focus on technology and diagnostics. The Philips logo is prominently displayed.

Enhance patient comfort through a wider bore and improved accessories

Some patients experience an MRI examination as intimidating due to the enclosed space and loud noises. Rocío notes that the additional space of a 70 cm bore has helped patients feel more comfortable during scans, especially larger patients or those who enter the scan room with some anxiety. New thick mattresses are now available, with greater comfort making it easier for patients to lay still during the scan.

In addition, the coils are lighter, and patients spend less time in the system thanks to accelerated sequences with improved image quality. Particularly for patients with claustrophobia or larger body types, these enhancements together provide a better experience without compromising on diagnostic confidence.

"We have the new mattresses since the last upgrade, and patients have noticed they are much more comfortable."

— Rocío Muñoz, Hospital Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Madrid, Spain

Image description: A patient is positioned inside an MRI scanner, with a medical technician carefully adjusting equipment, highlighting the hands-on aspect of patient care and technological application.

"Positioning the patient and the coils is much faster since it is automatic”

— Rocío Muñoz, Hospital Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Madrid, Spain

Streamline workflow thanks to AI and automation

Productivity improvements now allow scanning faster while maintaining high image quality – even in demanding cases – to provide clinicians with the vital diagnostic information needed for their patients. Workflow efficiency has steadily improved over time, thanks to enhancements in both software and hardware.

SmartWorkflow uses AI to guide technologists, which reduces set-up time and improves productivity. Up to 80% of procedures can now be started with a single click, giving technologists the tools they need to manage ever-increasing workloads. This significantly impacts slot times, patients are imaged quicker, and the hospital is able to process a higher volume of imaging.

"Before, studies took 20-30 minutes; now we've reduced it to 15 minutes"

— Rocío Muñoz, Hospital Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Madrid, Spain

"Now we do a lot of 3D sequences with very short scan times"

— Rocío Muñoz, Hospital Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Madrid, Spain

Image description: A close-up of Rocío Muñoz, a medical professional, speaking, accompanied by text detailing significant reductions in scan times and improvements in workflow efficiency due to AI and automation.

The impact of AI on image quality and speed

Perhaps the most important aspect of an MRI scan is image quality, and it has improved over the years with advancements in technology. Tools like SmartSpeed, which use AI, help make the results more consistent and reliable. Additionally, new protocols now include 3D scans, which were previously too time-consuming, so 2D scans were typically used. SmartSpeed reduces the time needed for 3D scans, allowing the shift from multiple 2D scans to one detailed 3D scan, making it possible to get high-quality reformats in other directions. SmartSpeed also delivers sharper results in less time, giving clinicians the vital information they need to make first-time-right diagnoses. The high-quality imaging and faster scans are powerful improvements for radiologists, patients get better diagnoses in less time, and the Hospital Nuestra Señora del Rosario can deliver care for larger patient volumes.

Step into the future with MRI innovations

With so many improvements available for MRI machines, upgrading to a new technology level can feel like a step into the future. MRI has transitioned from the analog technology of 20 years ago to today's digital and AI-driven imaging. Coils are no longer single-use; they can now be combined for better image quality and shorter, more comfortable protocols for the patient. Scan times have consistently decreased, in part due to AI tools like SmartSpeed and Smart Workflow solutions. Technologists can now prepare patients more easily thanks to lighter-weight coils and other tools like ScanWise Implant which simplifies the scanning of patients with MR Conditional implants; SmartExam providing fully automated planning, scanning, and processing with just a single mouse click; and VitalEye offering faster exam setup and enhanced patient comfort. Higher quality imaging can be achieved, delivered more consistently, and with increased reproducibility across different staff and patient populations. Easier workflows reduce the burden on imaging teams, allowing them to handle higher patient volumes efficiently.