Siemens Trio vs Verio

MRIresearch · Joined: 19 Mar 2009 Posts: 1

Good day everyone!

My name is Russ and i am currently working at a research facility that focuses on neuro imaging. At the moment we are running a 3T Allegra (head-only unit) and I have received a request to investigate new magnets.

Honestly i am fairly new to this facility, 6 months in, and have primarily been the scanning operator. The lead tech is now out on extended leave and i find myself jumping into the lead tech seat. Although i have been in MRI for 2 and 1/2 years, i have no experience with new magnet installations or selection. So any ideas are greatly appreciated.

I figured i would ask the community to see how people felt about their Trio's and if anyone out there works on a Verio, their input as well. And, if any of you users are also research oriented that would be icing on the cake. We run a good deal of BOLD pulse sequences and DTI's for our research protocols as well as a few structures (MPRAGE, 3dT2's, PD/T2's etc.). For the research, a highly stable magnetic field with as minimal inhomogeneities is essential, even more so than in diagnostic imaging.

Sorry if I am not clear or lacking detail as to what i'm looking for. I'm slightly overwhelmed when thinking about all the tasks i will be involved in for the first time once we decide on a unit!

So, Trio: Strengths/weaknesses?
Verio: Strengths/weaknesses?

jruhberg · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Dallas

Well, my facility is also looking at the same scanners. I met with the sales guy the other day. The sales people will be more than happy to explain and show you what their scanners can do. You can also ask them to give you spreadsheets with comparisons, although of course those will be biased. The vario is new and more expensive. I believe it has a 70 cm bore. The Trio is 60cm. Ask about the coils and the scans it can do. Get service quotes and get individual quotes, or an extended quote giving the prices of the coils that are not included. Talk to your radiologist about what they want. If you have a lot of neuro docs, you will probably need a neuro package. Things like that.
_________________
Jen

hjhogle · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 6:55 pm Post subject:

Hi Russ

It isn't likely that you'll get accurate info from vendors. Their job is to sell you on their product regardless of the truth.

You might start here -

KLAS is an industry leader in the ranking of healthcare technology vendors.
http://www.klasresearch.com/MRI_Equipment

Good luck

hjh, RT

jruhberg · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Dallas

Hi Hj. Just joined here. You give great information by the way. Yes, I forgot about that company. They charge something for that information I think don't they? Maybe I'll check into them myself, unless it's too expensive. Shocked

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Jen

hjhogle · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 7:48 pm Post subject:

Yes, they do charge. But when that's weighed against a million-dollar purchase ....

Also frequent the forums at AuntMinnie.com. Try the 'general' forum. Many of the folks there are quite knowledgeable. They'll tell you that the primary thing to consider is your Radiologists - how do they like the images from their current scanner? Have they done any investigation? They may have ideas of their own.

hjh, RT