Volumetric imaging is a 3D technique where all the MRI signals are collected from the entire tissue sample and imaged as a whole entity, therefore providing a high signal to noise ratio. The acquisition of isotropic voxels or thin slices with high spatial resolution allows to create multiplanar reconstructions in all planes; a compensation for the usually longer scan time. The acquisition time can be reduced by parallel imaging technique.
New T2 weighted variants of 3D sequences (FSE-XETA, T2-SPACE, VISTA) have been introduced that differ from conventional FSE sequences. An echo train containing up to 200 echoes obtained at a minimum echo spacing allows very fast acquisition. A flip angle modulation (flip angle sweep - FAS) during the FSE readout carries magnetization as long as possible to avoid blurring and provide optimal signal at the effective echo time. This type of imaging is well suited for brain and spine MRI procedures.
Newer T1 weighted variants include Liver Acquisition with Volume Acquisition (LAVA) and T1W High Resolution Isotropic Volume Examination (THRIVE), which have advantages for dynamic breath hold imaging in liver and abdominal examinations.

See also Volume Imaging, 3 Dimensional Imaging.

The owner of MRI equipment has to ensure that the equipment does fulfill the local requirements.
In some countries, the requirements are more stringent than in others; in other countries, they are nonexistent.
The user in general is unable to check power output, gradient strength, or even field strength. The manufacturer has to cover authorized hardware and software updates after the initial installation and has to give guarantee for the requirements. Specially designed computer programs usually supervise the power output of MRI devices and will not allow or will interrupt any imaging or spectroscopy procedure exceeding those limits considered safe.

See also European Medicines Agency, FDA information:
www.fda.gov/cdrh/safety/mrisafety.html

From Odin Medical Technologies, Inc.;
the PoleStarâ„¢ N-10 is a compact, mobile MRI scanner that mounts to a standard operating room table. The magnets raise into position for imaging, but lower to make surgery easier, and the low magnetic field makes it possible to use many conventional surgical instruments.
When not in use, the PoleStarâ„¢ is stored in a nearby closet that allows the room to be used for conventional surgical procedures. The PoleStarâ„¢ N-10 is supplied with a fully integrated image guidance system that utilizes intraoperatively acquired images.
The successor, the new PoleStarâ„¢ N20 sets a new standard in intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging.

From Philips Medical Systems;
the Panorama 0.23 T, providing a new design optimized for patient comfort, faster reconstruction time than before (300 images/second) and new gradient specifications. Philips' Panorama 0.23 T I/T supports MR-guided interventions, resulting in minimally invasive procedures, more targeted surgery, reduced recovery time and shorter hospital stays. Optional OptoGuide functionality enables real-time needle tracking. Philips' Panorama 0.23 TPanorama 0.2 R/T is the first and only open MRI system to enable radiation therapy planning using MR data sets. The Panorama also features the new and consistent Philips User Interface, an essential element of the Vequion clinical IT family of products and services.

GE Healthcare is the result of the merger between GE Medical and Amersham Health in Nov. 2004, after GE acquired Amersham Health for 9.5 billion in Oct. 2003. Jeffrey R. Immelt, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive of General Electric, said, 'Amersham's diagnostic pharmaceutical and life sciences business will add new, high growth platforms to GE Medical's diagnostic imaging, services and healthcare information technology businesses'. GE Healthcare, a UK company, is a unit of General Electric (NYSE: GE). GE Healthcare is a global leader in medical imaging, diagnostic imaging contrast agents, interventional procedures, healthcare services, and information technology. For more than 100 years, health care providers have relied on GE Medical Systems, now GE Healthcare, for high quality medical technology and productivity solutions. GE Healthcare, headquartered now at formerly seat of Amersham Health in Great Britain, operates facilities around the world. Global Operations include organizations on the Americas, Europe, and Asia, including India, Japan, Korea China, Thailand and Vietnam.

MRI Scanners:

0.2T to 1.0T:
to 1.5T:
to 3.0T:

MRI Contrast Agents: