title: Utilization of low-field MR scanners.
abstract: The evident advantage of high-field MR (magnetic resonance) scanners is their higher signal-to-noise ratio, which results in improved imaging. While no reliable efficacy studies exist that compare the diagnostic capabilities of low- versus high-field scanners, the adoption and acceptance of low-field MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is subject to biases. On the other hand, the cost savings associated with low-field MRI hardware are obvious. The running costs of a non-superconductive low-field scanner show even greater differences in favor of low-field scanners. Patient anxiety and safety issues also reflect the advantages of low-field scanners. Recent technological developments in the realm of low-field MR scanners will lead to higher image quality, shorter scan times, and refined imaging protocols. Interventional and intraoperative use also supports the installation of low-field MR scanners. Utilization of low-field systems has the potential to enhance overall cost reductions with little or no loss of diagnostic performance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Tokyo, Japan. naoto-tky@umin.ac.jp
authors.forename: Naoto
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hayashi
authors.forename: Yasushi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Watanabe
authors.forename: Tomohiko
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Masumoto
authors.forename: Harushi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mori
authors.forename: Shigeki
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aoki
authors.forename: Kuni
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ohtomo
authors.forename: Osamu
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Okitsu
authors.forename: Tetsuhiko
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Takahashi
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*