Advanced noise reduction technologies are present on all MAGNETOM® scanners. Nevertheless, we have continuously strived to develop technologies that will further lower noise without compromising imaging efficiency and quality. With Quiet Suite, we have addressed the root source – sharp gradient switches – to take noise reduction to a new level. Quiet Suite includes QuietX sequences and the inaudible PETRA as well as optimized protocols for neurological and orthopedic examinations. Experience a broad range of benefits:
“The most common complaint we hear from our patients when having an MRI is the loudness of the acquisition techniques. Siemens Quiet Suite is an essential innovation in improving patient experience and outcomes by significantly reducing acoustic noise during complete MR exams.” 2
Bob Day, COO
Zwanger Pesiri Radiology
Lindenhurst, NY, USA
Complete, quiet exams for neurology and orthopedics
Experience significant sound reduction from the very first sequence - the localizer - and through an entire clinical examination with 2D and 3D clinical routine sequences. It reduces the need for sedation for certain groups of patients such as children and elderly people, leading to higher patient satisfaction. And at no expense of image quality.
Quiet Suite includes PETRA, a sequence for 3D T1 imaging. For neurological imaging, PETRA can barely be heard over ambient background noise. With a Tx/Rx coil, PETRA is inaudible over background noise.
Compare conventional examinations with Quiet Suite:
3D PETRA
Reduction in sound pressure: 97%1
"The realization of quiet MRI is truly exciting. It will improve clinical care for many pediatric, dementia and psychiatric patients, while providing a more comfortable experience for all patients. For the many patients scanned at our hospital, T1-weighted PETRA provided the same diagnostic information as MPRAGE. PETRA even provided diagnostic advantages in some cases; for example, paranasal sinuses could be imaged without susceptibility related distortion."3
Dr. Masahiro Ida,
Tokyo Metropolitan Ebara Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
Related article: Quiet T1-weighted 3D Imaging of the Central Nervous System Using PETRA
Complete, clinical examinations with QuietX2 TSE, SE and GRE for T1, T2 and DarkFluid contrasts and QuietX SWI.
Compare conventional examinations with Quiet Suite:
3D MPRAGE vs QuietX 3D PETRA V02
Diffusion DWI vs QuietX Diffusion DWI V03
3D SWI vs QuietX 3D SWI V02
T2 TSE DarkFlluid vs QuietX T2 TSE DarkFluid V02
T2 TSE vs QuietX T2 TSE V02
T1 SE vs QuietX T1 SE V02
Localizer
Reduction in sound pressure: 72%1
T2 TSE
Reduction in sound pressure: 72%1
T2 DarkFluid
Reduction in sound pressure: 82%1
SWI
Reduction in sound pressure: 80%1
T1 FLASH 3D
Reduction in sound pressure: 91%1
Complete, clinical examinations with QuietX TSE, SE and GRE for T1, T2 and DarkFluid contrasts.
Knee PD TSE
Reduction in sound pressure: 70%1
Knee T2 TSE
Reduction in sound pressure: 82%1
Knee T1 DarkFluid
Reduction in sound pressure: 72%1
Shoulder PD TSE
Reduction in sound pressure: 80%1
Shoulder T1 TSE
Reduction in sound pressure: 72%1
Shoulder T2 TSE
Reduction in sound pressure: 70%1
“The PETRA sequence generates close to no acoustic noise and the QuietX SWI 20 dB less noise than conventional SWI. The quiet sequences are gentle for children and have been very useful in imaging pediatric patients. They provide a more comfortable scanning environment without compromising image quality.”3
Dr. Noriko Aida,
Kanagawa Children’s Med Center, Kanagawa, Japan
The main source of MRI acoustic noise is the gradient coils. Rapid switching of the gradients generates significant mechanical vibrations, akin to a jackhammer or a loudspeaker at a rock concert. To effectively reduce noise beyond what can be achieved by conventional methods (e.g., gradient insulation, force compensation), the cause of the noise – sharp gradient switching – must be addressed directly. The challenge lies in developing a solution that is effective and intelligent, without compromising image quality or scan time.
Today, QuietX2 has been realized for TSE, SE and GRE sequences. QuietX works to provide the best possible gradient trajectory through intelligent summation of gradients and reduction of slew rates, while keeping timing parameters within the same range. The results are significant reductions of acoustic noise and smoother, more pleasant sounds without significant impact on image quality and scan time.
Related article: Making MRI Scanning Quieter: Optimized TSE Sequences with Parallel Imaging
