With the growing geriatric population and increased awareness about new magnetic resonance capabilities, the use of the magnetic resonance market is growing at a rapid pace globally. Recent advances made in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and application focus on enhancing overall patient’s experience is boosting the demand for MRI machines for various medical purposes. MRI being a non-invasive imaging technology is utilized for creating three-dimensional detailed anatomical images, assisting medical professionals with the detection, diagnosis of diseases, and its treatment monitoring. 

1.5T Compared to 3.0T MRI Scanners

An MRI scanner utilizes radio frequency waves and magnetic field, which are generated by large magnets to create highly detailed anatomical visuals. The varying magnetic field strength in MRI scanners is measured in a unit called Tesla (T). Nowadays, the most common magnet strengths used in clinical settings are 1.5T and 3.0T.

Although 1.5T has been used as the standard strength market in clinical settings for long and considered to be state-of-the art system and 3.0T has been mostly used in clinical settings, the advancement in technology has made 3T safer to use and widely available. Despite varying magnetic field strength, both the machines offer value patient care. Increasing the magnetic field to 3.0T provides high quality images and faster scan speed due to improvements in the machine’s signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Better SNR allows higher spatial and temporal resolution, essential for detecting complex anatomical structures and small lesions.

According to TechSci Research report, “Global MRI Market By Field Strength (High-Field MRI Systems (1.5t MRI Systems, 3t MRI Systems), Low-To-Mid-Field MRI Systems (<1.5t), Very-High-Field MRI Systems (4t and Above)), By Type (Fixed, Mobile), By Architecture (Closed MRI Systems, Open MRI Systems), By Application (Brain and Neurological, Oncology, Spine and Musculoskeletal, Abdominal, Cardiac, Others), By End User (Hospitals, Imaging Centers, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Others), By Region, Forecast & Opportunities, 2026”, the global MRI market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period owing to technological advancements in MRI systems, and increasing patient pool suffering from neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. 

Overview: Esaote O-scan Elite Dedicated MRI

O-scan Dedicated MRI is designed for imaging the Upper and Lower Joints (extremities), featuring advanced technologies like True Motion for real-time imaging of the joint in motion, AI-based AgilExam, and MAR for post-operative follow-up. 

AgilExam operator guarantees the same consistent quality day after day to facilitate the substantial reading of the exams, particularly teleradiology. The reduced exam time also improves patient experience and enhances system throughput. 

True-Motion can be beneficial to image the joint in real-time movement and adds only a few minutes to a standard exam. 

Offering a comprehensive range of high-quality imaging capabilities for extremities, O-scan Elite provides an optimal patient experience with its unique ergonomics and open design. Light-weight design and extremely small 5 gauss footprint make O-scan suitable for fitting in any office environment. O-scan MRI does not require the need for helium, so the cost-effectiveness of the system fully complements the impact on patient comfort with an examination. The MRI equipment is not claustrophobic and suitable for large and anxious patients. Esaote dedicated Extremity MRI creates detailed anatomical images of the elbow, hands, wrists, fingers from the upper extremity, and foot, ankle, and knee from the lower extremity.

Features that set O-scan apart from its Competitors:

• Maintenance-free and Open Permanent Magnet

The permanent magnet always offers magnetic field at full strength, so it does not require either electrical power or coolants for operation. Compared to superconducting magnets, permanent magnets provide a more open patient environment and less external field.

• 0.31 Tesla field strength

Despite very low magnetic strength, Esaote MRI systems offers high-resolution imagery to accommodate hip, shoulder, spine, extremity joints.

• Ergonomic design to Maximize Patient Comfort

Three-dimensional imaging of the patient in various positions could provide great insights to validate and improve the current biomechanical models. Horizontal MRIs do not offer that kind of flexibility in terms of subject positioning.

• Multiplanar Scout

Multiplanar reconstruction allows clinicians to create new 3D reconstructions from a stack of images in planes.

• Remote Service Capability

The remote service capability enables the technicians to troubleshoot and fix imaging equipment remotely, which significantly decrease the frequency and duration of trips to complete on-site repairs.

• eXP Technology enables faster and high-quality MR imaging

eXP technology allows shorter examination times, better system economics and enhances patient’s comfort. The better image quality results in better diagnosis and marketing of MRI services.

• Stability for even larger patients

The device is more comfortable for very overweight or obese patients who used to find the MRI procedures claustrophobic.

• Real-time image monitor to check patient Positioning directly from the Gantry

The device has the capability to perform MRI exams in real time that simplifies and accelerates established procedures along with adding new possibilities. Also, the short exam times lead to less failures due to motion problems, which leads to reduce costs.

• Easy to use Windows-based user interface

The easy-to-use windows-based interface helps to simply the scanning of patients with MR conditional implants, hip replacements, pacemakers, spine implants and implantable defibrillators.

• Complete set of dedicated DPA coils 

The complete set of dedicated DPA coils guarantee high sensitivity, patient friendliness, and best exam performance.

Some other features of Esaote O-scan include:

• Complete software package supplied with an extensive range of tools to process, display, and analyze images
• Requires limited or low Installation Space
• No requirement of RF Shielding Cage
• Low power consumption and maintenance costs
• Full set of pre-defined Sequences and Customized Examination Protocols
• Extensive Image Viewing, Analysis, and Report Tools 
• Easy patient positioning with optimized patient bed

Dedicated MRI systems can be installed in any clinical environment, from radiology departments in large hospitals to specialized rheumatology centres, orthopaedics, and sport medicine centres to provide direct MRI services. Health practitioners are investing in extremity MRI as it can work as a standalone system or alongside whole-body scanners, allowing one to optimize resources and reduce waiting lists.

Related Products 

G-Scan Brio

The G-Scan Brio features an optional head coil for brain imaging for a revolutionary MRI approach to all musculoskeletal applications. 

Some of the other features of G-Scan Brio includes

• Covers scanning from foot to shoulders along with spine segments such as L &C-spine
• Identifies the effect of gravity on the patient’s spine
• Real-time and accurate positioning 
• Open MRI, no claustrophobia issues
• Fits in only 23m2 
• Comprises of a complete set of dedicated coils 

S-Scan 

The wide opening and compact magnet distinguish S-Scan as an ideal system for advanced applications such as MRI anthography. S-Scan features a wide and asymmetric rotating table that makes positioning of patient easy, providing maximum stability and comfort for the patient for an easy setup and better images. S-Scan provides efficient and cost-effective MRIs regardless of whether one performs one or twenty examinations per day. 

Some of the other features of S-Scan include

• Covers scanning from foot to shoulders and most important spine segments such as L&C-spine
• The rotating patient table guarantees easy patient positioning, patient comfort, easy stability, and examination management
• Easy patient access 
• Real-time feature includes fast sequences and displays on the gantry
• Fits in 20m2 
• Complete set of dedicated coils including the Head option 

Comparison Among Leading MRI Machines in the Market

GE Signa 7.0T MRI scanner

SIGNA 7.0T is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) designed for neurological and musculoskeletal imaging functions. The device will also be employed for microvasculature imaging of brain and joints for research and clinical purposes. The newly introduced MRI scanner will be crucial tool for research into psychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s or mild traumatic brain injury.

The GE’s SIGNA 7.0T MRI scanner features a 60cm-wide bore with UltraG gradient magnetic technology with 113mT/m peak amplitude per axis and 260T/m peak slew rate per axis within its core to meet requirements of ultra-high-field imaging. To allow smooth protocol translation between GE MR Systems, the scanner incorporates GE’s new SIGNA^TM Works software framework including state-of-the-art applications such as AIRx^TM for automatic slice positioning and silent MR imaging, which also allows five times faster set-up time with four times fewer mouse clicks. Moreover, the scanner is integrated with a Precision RF transmit that enables development in parallel transmit, enhanced image quality and research flexibility.

The GE’s SIGNA 7.0T MRI scanner also facilitates anatomical simulation in ultra-high-resolution and research capabilities to assess quantitative changes related to diseases.

Philips Ingenia 3.0T MRI Scanner

Ingenia 3.0T is known for its versatility in high quality scanning from musculoskeletal to neuro to pelvis. The device provides a soothing experience for patients, especially for those who are claustrophobic with the wide bore and Ambient cove lighting. With the combination of 3.0T magnet with digital coils, the physicians are able to scan prostates without an endorectal coil and still manage to take high-quality images. The device excels at neurography, plexus, and prostate scans with the strong magnetic strength of 3.0T. With mDIXON TSE, the health practitioners get good results in the first time even in thin or large patient that are off-center, which eliminates the need of repeating scan and supports diagnostic confidence. MultiVane XD technology in Ingenia 3.0T allows motion-free imaging on almost all T2-weighted brain scans, with non-contrast brain scans taking only 20 minutes almost every time.

The Philips whole-body 3T scanner features a 70 cm bore that facilitates latest acquisition techniques for multinuclear capabilities, functional MRI (fMRI) and advanced diffusion imaging (dMRI), and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), spectroscopy (MRI/S), whole-body scanning.

Siemens Magnetom Free.Max

The newly introduced model by Siemens, Magnetom Free.Max features a unique combination of digital technologies and the new field magnetic strength of 0.55T. The device has an enlarged bore size of 80 cm, which allows whole-body scanning and makes the scanning process considerably pleasant. With new innovative digital solution such as Deep Resolve, the device can provide high image quality, which earlier used to be possible with high magnetic strengths. The technology also provides excellent diagnostic images and accelerates the scanning process.

In addition to its wide range of applications, the device allows pulmonary imaging, which had not been a domain of MRI until now. Also, the device can be installed at places where MRI used to be impossible as it just weighs below two meters in transportation height and has a compact design. Magnets designed with the so-called Dry technology requires less than one liter of liquid helium for cooling and no quench pipe, which saves up several hundred liters of helium and reduces the cost for quench pipes.

Toshiba Vantage Titan 3.0T

As opposed to traditional MRI scanners, Toshiba Vantage Titan 3.0T is very silent and provides true comfort and flexibility along with featuring a large bore to put patients at ease. Leveraging multi-port RF transmission technology, the device provides more uniformity and coverage to generate high quality images. The wide bore and Pianissimo technology makes the device convenient and user-friendly, helping to produce motion-free images.

With the Toshiba’s exclusive Time-Spatial Labeling Inversion Pulse (Time-SLIP) non-contrast MRI technique, clinicians can safely and efficiently visualize CSF bulk flow disorders, which often require invasive procedures to diagnose and treat. The Pediatric MR exams have now become convenient to perform for patients with Toshiba’s Pediatric Flex Coil Suite, which offer greater flexibility and conform closely to the anatomy and greatly improving signal to noise ratio for more accurate diagnosis.

Recent Advancements in the Global Magnetic Resonance Imaging Market 

·        

Open and Upright MRI Technology

With advancements in MRI units, radiologists are convinced with the high-quality imaging when compared to those produced from conventional traditional-bore magnets. Open MRI technology eliminates the fear of suffocation and restriction that prevents patients from undergoing MRI scans. Also, both patients and radiologists are pleased with open MRI technology as they provide a more comfortable physical and emotional experience and is an easier fit for everyone. Since open bore magnets have a higher field strength, patients do not need to spend long hours lying on the machine. The open and upright MRI technology also allows back pain patients to be evaluated in positions that can exacerbate their symptoms the most. 

• Multi-contrasts From a Single Acquisition

MAGiC (MAGnetic resonance image Compilation) introduced by GE Healthcare enables an MRI technique that delivers eight contrasts in a single acquisition within a fraction of the time of conventional imaging. The advanced MRI technique also allows users the flexibility to manipulate MR images retrospectively, which can assist the clinician in making a more decisive diagnosis. 

• Silent MRI scanning 

GE Healthcare added SilentScan MRI noise reduction technology to its Signa Pioneer 3T system to significantly reduce noise during MRI scans. The SilentScan application includes musculoskeletal imaging, spine imaging, complete neuro exam, and diffusion-weighted imaging. Addressing the sources like gradient-magnet interaction and mechanical vibration, SilentScan reduces acoustic noises during MRI scans. 

USA to Lead the Global MRI Market

USA market is highly advanced and currently leading the innovation engine when it comes to medical imaging devices. Due to the rapid adoption of new technologies and increasing competition among the key players dominating the MRI market, the US is expected to maintain its position in the coming years. As MR expands to different areas of medicine, more manufacturers are emerging, which is going to make the market more commoditized. 

Way Forward for the MRI Manufacturers

Magnetic resonance imaging is an intensely competitive market with presence of companies such as GE, Philips, Siemens, and Canon, among others. Medical institutions prefer them due to their dedicated product ranges in medical imaging segments and brand image. Players launching products in the market need to focus on designing machine that require shorter examination time, has higher resolution for proper examination as small lesion and other structural diagnosis is not possible through less power machine.

MRI machine is a large machine, companies like Tata are developing a compact, powerful and portable MRI machine so that it can be affordable and accessible to everyone.

Repeated scans or higher efficiency is another concern for the manufacturers, as diagnosis through sophisticated imaging procedures can provide accurate diagnosis while eliminating the risk of distorted image.

According to another TechSci research report on “Global Medical Imaging Monitor Market By Device (Mobile, Desktop, All-in-one), By Panel Size (Under-22.9-inch Panels, 23.0–26.9-inch Panels, Above-42-inch Panels), By Type (Diagnostic Monitors, Surgical Monitors, Clinical Monitors, Others), By Display Color (Monochrome v/s Colored), By Purpose (Doppler, Encoding, Others), By Technology (LED-Backlit LCD, OLED, CCFL-Backlit LCD), By Application (Digital Pathology, Radiology, Endoscopy, Mammography, Others) By Modality (X-Ray plain film, CT, MRI, Others), By Resolution (Up to 2 MP, 2.1-4 MP, 4.1-8 MP, Above 8 MP), By Grade (Surgical, Diagnostic), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2025”, rising incidences of diseases and increasing demand for carrying out various procedures before providing any treatment is positively impacting the growth of Global Medical Imaging monitor market. 

Web:   https://www.techsciresearch.com/