GE Healthcare launches Silent Scan MRI technology

GE Healthcare has announced the launch of Silent Scan, a new technology offering that dramatically quietens magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams.

It is designed to address the noise levels generated by MRI units, which can regularly exceed 110 decibels, making this issue one of the most common sources of complaints among patients undergoing scans.

With Silent Scan, the volume of the procedure is reduced to an ambient level, greatly improving the patient's MRI exam experience and allowing them to converse freely during the scan.

The manufacturer has developed Silent Scan using feedback from several of its US customers and is making the technology available with its 1.5T and 3.0T systems, which are currently available for routine head examinations.

Richard Hausmann, president and chief executive officer of GE Healthcare's MRI division, said: "GE is serious about humanising MRI and making its MRI systems patient-friendly, safe and without compromise. Silent Scan puts patients first."

Earlier this month, the company also announced that it has been granted European CE Mark approval for the newest version of its Vivid E9 Cardiovascular Ultrasound system.