Toshiba launches first self-loading relocatable MR system in the UK

Toshiba Medical Systems has unveiled its latest newly launched MRI system, the Vantage Elan 1.5T. Previously only available in Japan, the state-of-the-art relocatable MR scanner hit the UK roads on 24 July in Glasgow, Scotland where it forms part of the onsite medical facility at the Commonwealth Games for which Toshiba Medical is the official medical systems provider

The unique relocatable unit was designed in partnership with Bristol-based, WH Bence, one of Europe’s leading specialist vehicle manufacturers. The relocatable MR scanner offers the patient and clinician almost 50% more space than conventional mobile MRI units. At 3.5m wide, Toshiba’s new relocatable Vantage Elan MRI, however, does not require a separate escort vehicle to follow the unit during transportation despite its roomy design.

The result is a unique relocatable that enjoys the versatility of a mobile, as it is easy and inexpensive to transport, but with the added advantagesofeasier patient, and clinician access, and space. The unit is furnished with an onboard diesel generator, which is able to power the scanner and the chiller, to keep the magnet running during transport. Designed for patient and clinician comfort, the unit incorporates inspirational interior design aspects including; ambient lighting, visual displays on walls and ceiling, Freeview TV and sound system, as well as hot and cold running water.

The relocatable is armed with a specially designed super low loader trailer, which results in a reduction of the overall height of the unit during transportation. This will enable Toshiba Medical Systems UK to rent the unit to customers across Europe if required. The super low loader trailer also benefits from rear steering axles, which can be steered via remote control, this offers greater manoeuvrability to gain access on site. An MRI compatible wheelchair and patient transfer gurney/PAT slide are included with the unit.

Mark Hitchman, UK managing director for Toshiba Medical Systems comments: “One disadvantage of a relocatable previously was that they needed to be craned into different customer sites. This often posed certain access restrictions and meant that relocatables were not ideal for short-term rentals due to the substantial costs of hiring in a crane. With our relocatable we have come up with a unique design, together with WH Bence in Bristol, to incorporate hydraulic lifting legs into each corner of the housing.ˮ

Toshiba’s new relocatable MR can however, still be craned into position. Moreover, the stainless steel legs can fully support the 27T container allowing the relocatable unit to lift itself from the super low loader trailer, to a height that the trailer can be driven out from underneath. The MRI relocatable unit can then be lowered into position quickly and easily.

The Vantage Elan MRI scanner provides outstanding clinical and economic benefits together with a wide variety of advanced technologies. A 1.4m ultra-short magnet with excellent magnetic field homogeneity ensures ultra-high image quality, whilst reducing patient anxiety and ensuring more comfortable examinations. With patient comfort in mind, Pianissimo ∑ technology dramatically reduces scanner noise, whilst zero helium boil-off system and Eco mode technology minimizes system operating costs, with power consumption being dramatically reduced when the system is idle.

The system requires only a small installation footprint, which means that installation work can be completed quickly and easily. Complete with a set of post-processing options, including cardiovascular, neuro and MSK applications, the scanner will arrive at a venue or hospital ‘ready-to-go’. Toshiba will also provide free applications training as part of the service as it travels from centre to centre.

After supporting the medical centre at the Commonwealth Games, the system will go to a leading NHS Hospital for long term rental.