MAGNETOM Free.Max significantly cuts installation costs

First entry of MAGNETOM Free.Max through normal hospital doors and hallways at University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, cuts costs by 34%1

In January 2021, it finally happened: University Hospital Basel received its first MAGNETOM Free.Max MRI scanner. From the very beginning of the planning phase, everyone involved realized that everything would be different this time. First, MAGNETOM Free.Max requires no quench pipe – reducing the conversion costs immensely. Second, its floor load of less than 3.2 metric tons translates into a wider range of possible locations within the building, as well as easier transportation. And because it is less than 2 meters high and has a small footprint, MAGNETOM Free.Max fits  through normal hospital doors. As a result, many onsite preparations were no longer needed. Now see for yourself what a difference the radically simplified infrastructure of MAGNETOM Free.Max makes.

2021-06-18

Prepare scanner room

Step 1 for conventional MRI scanner

Preparations include construction-site installations, electricalinstallations, ventilation, and cooling.

Step 1 for MAGNETOM Free.Max

Preparations include construction-site installations, electrical installations, ventilation, and cooling. With its smaller footprint and no need for a quench pipe, MAGNETOM Free.Max fits into rooms that were previously too small for an MRI scanner.

Plan and install quench pipe through the building

Step 2 for conventional MRI scanner

Depending on the building and the final location of the MRI scanner within the building, planning and installing the quench pipe can be complex.

Step not needed for MAGNETOM Free.Max

Define entry route to the MR room

Step 3 for conventional MRI scanner

Due to the size and weight of a conventional MRI scanner, the facadehas to be opened up to get the magnet into the building, and the floorhas to be strong enough to carry its weight. In some cases, the floorseven need to be supported from underneath.

Step 2 for MAGNETOM Free.Max

Due to its small size and weight, MAGNETOM Free.Max fits through normal hospital doors. Only the route to its location within the building has to be planned.

Open facade and install temporary facade if needed

Step 4 for conventional MRI scanner

A conventional MRI scanner doesn’t fit through normal doors. The facade has to be opened up so that the scanner can be brought into the building. Depending on when the magnet arrives, a temporary facade may be needed.

Step not needed for MAGNETOM Free.Max

Close access road and assemble crane

Step 5 for conventional MRI scanner

Transportation by crane can result in major logistical efforts and lead to significant temporary restrictions.

Step not needed for MAGNETOM Free.Max

Open temporary facade

Step 6 for conventional MRI scanner

To bring the MRI scanner into the building, the temporary facade has to be opened up.

Step not needed for MAGNETOM Free.Max

Unload MRI scanner

Step 7 for conventional MRI scanner

Unloading a conventional MRI scanner requires a big crane positioned close to the open facade.

Step 3 for MAGNETOM Free.Max

The small crane from the truck is sufficient to unload MAGNETOM Free.Max.

Bring MRI scanner into the building

Step 8 for conventional MRI scanner

A conventional MRI scanner has to be lifted into the building through the open facade using the big crane.

Step 4 for MAGNETOM Free.Max

MAGNETOM Free.Max can be wheeled into the building through the front door.

Move MRI scanner through the building

Step 9 for conventional MRI scanner

When the magnet is moved through the building to its final location, the floor has to be protected with heavy steel plates.

Step 5 for MAGNETOM Free.Max

When the magnet is moved through the building to its final location, the floor only needs protection from lightweight aluminum plates.

Close facade

Step 10 for conventional MRI scanner

The facade of the building can be closed again.

Step not needed for MAGNETOM Free.Max

Close HF cabin

Step 11 for conventional MRI scanner

Once the MRI scanner is in its designated room, the HF cabin can be closed, and final construction work can be finished.

Step 6 for MAGNETOM Free.Max

Once MAGNETOM Free.Max is in its designated room, the HF cabin can be closed, and final construction work can be finished.
<p>Prof. Elmar M. Merkle, MD</p>
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