Nghe An General Hospital puts into operation MRI 3.0 TESLA SIGNA™ Pioneer magnetic resonance imaging system integrated with artificial intelligence

May 2025,Nghe An General Friendship Hospitallaunched and put into use the SIGNA Pioneer 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system - a leading modern imaging diagnostic technology today. The 3.0 Tesla MRI machine has a magnetic field twice as strong as a conventional 1.5T machine, providing a much higher signal/noise ratio (SNR), thereby significantly improving spatial resolution and reducing imaging time.

The new system also incorporates many advanced digital features: SilentScan (near-silent scanning), TDI (total digital imaging), MAGiC (multiple pulse sequences from a single scan), flexible and lightweight multi-channel coils, and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology. These features help improve the ability to accurately diagnose a wide range of pathologies such as neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological, leading to better treatment outcomes and reasonable care costs.

SIGNA Pioneer's SilentScan technology reduces scan noise to just >3 dBA above the ambient background, compared to a typical MRI machine that can produce noise in excess of 110 decibels. This results in less patient stress and better coordination during the procedure.

The SIGNA Pioneer system also features TDI (Full Digital Diode) technology, which increases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by up to 25% compared to the previous system. Digital Dome Technology (DST) provides higher quality, more detailed images of the spine and torso. Thanks to its high resolution and signal, the SIGNA Pioneer can detect even small lesions and distinguish delicate structures that are difficult to achieve with a 1.5T system.

GE's pioneering MAGiC software allows the machine to simultaneously generate 6 different pulse sequences (T1, T2, STIR, FLAIR,...) from a single exposure, saving up to 2/3 of the time compared to taking each individual sequence. Combined with modern pulse control and acquisition acceleration techniques, the SIGNA Pioneer system allows scanning images 4 times faster than a conventional 1.5T machine.

This reduces signal interference caused by patient movement, reduces waiting time, and increases patient admission efficiency without reducing diagnostic reliability. This feature is especially suitable for children, the elderly, and severe cases. At the same time, MRI does not use X-rays, so it is safe for pregnant women and can be performed multiple times without accumulating radiation doses for the patient.

In addition, the SIGNA Pioneer 3.0T MRI System also integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology, bringing many clinical application values. AI supports the automation of the imaging process, from suggesting optimal parameters to locating the area to be scanned, helping to minimize errors. At the same time, AI helps doctors analyze results faster thanks to automatic image processing and arrangement tools, thereby shortening the time to read films, reducing total diagnostic time and improving operational efficiency at the hospital.

In addition to diagnosis, the SIGNA Pioneer 3.0T MRI system also plays an important role in monitoring the effectiveness and planning of cancer treatment. 3.0 Tesla MRI images are extremely useful for doctors in assessing the size, location of tumors and their relationship to healthy tissue when planning surgery. Thanks to its high resolution, 3.0 Tesla MRI helps to accurately define tumor boundaries, thereby preserving maximum healthy tissue.

With the above outstanding features, the MRI 3.0T SIGNA Pioneer system promises to bring many practical benefits to patients, contributing significantly to the success of diagnosis and treatment at the hospital.