Sustainability

Three steps to lower energy consumption in MRI

Among modern imaging modalities, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is probably the most power-hungry technology that is regularly used in clinical routine. One radiology practice network used a three-step approach to energy saving in their MRI departments.

3min

Doris Pischitz

Published on February 26, 2024

If the healthcare industry were a country, it would be the fifth largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world [1]. For freestanding centers, imaging equipment alone can represent more than 19 percent of energy costs [2].

Carbon dioxide emissions and energy costs are two sides of the same coin. Already in 2019, when a new MRI system was installed at one of the network’s Munich sites, the team of DIE RADIOLOGIE implemented productivity solutions to get the most out of every kilowatt hour (kWh). When energy prices soared in Europe after the outbreak of the Ukrainian war, they took the project one step further.

We looked at where the main energy consumption was in the radiology department—and most of it is MRI.
Prof. Mike Notohamiprodjo, MD, Managing Director, DIE RADIOLOGIE, Munich, Germany

Step 1: Implementing eco protocols

As a first, acute measure, DIE RADIOLOGIE shortened many protocols without compromising on patient care. In MRI, the longer the scan time, the more energy is used [3]. An “eco” set of often-used protocols was implemented that was specifically designed to reduce the energy consumption of the systems. Particularly for musculoskeletal studies, which make up a large portion of the network’s examinations, they shortened scan times by optimizing the acquisition protocols, which saved between 30 seconds to one minute per sequence. The resulting time savings translated directly into energy savings and enabled a higher patient throughput.

Scan time savings through shortened protocols

DIE RADIOLOGIE

: Created from the merger of experienced specialists, the largest owner-managed practice network in Germany offers a comprehensive care concept at more than 20 locations in the greater Munich area. Care is delivered by a team of over 70 experienced doctors and competent staff. DIE RADIOLOGIE, together with DIE NUKLEARMEDIZIN and DIE STRAHLENTHERAPIE, provides tailor-made prevention, diagnostics, and therapy from a single source. Depending on the location, the individual practices provide magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and digital X-ray exams, ultrasound assessments, nuclear medicine tests, and bone density measurements. DIE RADIOLOGIE is also a partner in the German mammography screening program.
: When looking at their environmental footprint, DIE RADIOLOGIE discovered several additional opportunities for savings. In the meantime, the network has become largely paperless, and imaging CDs for patients and referrers have been replaced by a web portal. Wherever possible without affecting sensitive technology or patient and employee comfort, room temperature has been reduced, and lights are being turned off when a room is unused. As a larger measure, the network is currently also considering photovoltaic systems at several of their sites.

Step 2: Using Eco Power Mode

After a joint fleet analysis together with Siemens Healthineers, DIE RADIOLOGIE started using the systems’ software-based Eco Power Mode to optimize their cooling cycles. Eco Power Mode reduces the energy consumption of the MRI system when the system is in standby mode or shut off. While 60 to 70 percent of an MRI’s total energy consumption is used for the refrigeration of the magnet, this is not constantly needed when the system is idle¹ such as during nights or weekends. The close monitoring of helium levels showed that they were not affected by compressor cycles, while energy consumption during idle times decreased by 30 percent—or up to four two-person households’ consumption—per scanner annually.

Sustainability in MRI

MRI plays a fundamental role in the diagnosis of many diseases and supports clinicians across the world in caring for their patients every day. Yet, it is also a fact that MRI is among the most energy-demanding equipment within radiology departments. As a consequence, we provide technological solutions that reduce the ecological footprint of MRI and contribute to a more sustainable future in healthcare.

The table shows annual energy savings of 9,762 kWh using Eco Power Mode, which lead to monetary savings of €4,881 and CO2 savings of 4,237 kg.

We could see that with Eco Power Mode, the energy consumption was about 30 percent less. This was very convincing, and we now upgraded all our systems to the new software.
Prof. Mike Notohamiprodjo, MD, Managing Director, DIE RADIOLOGIE, Munich, Germany

Step 3: Introducing artificial intelligence

Additional effort went into the adoption of further protocol acceleration, this time through artificial intelligence (AI). The deep learning-based algorithms of Deep Resolve Boost allow for shorter acquisition times and improvement of image quality—overcoming the “holy triangle” of time, signal-to-noise ratio, and resolution. To assess the effects, DIE RADIOLOGIE focused on one of their MAGNETOM Sola systems. They measured the energy consumption once again and, together with Siemens Healthineers, analyzed the protocols and scan time in correlation to energy consumption. They were able to shorten the acquisition times once more while increasing the matrix compared with the previously optimized protocols and thereby achieve even better image quality.

What does “matrix” mean in MRI?

The matrix refers to the grid of pixels that make up the image. A larger matrix size will increase the number of pixels in the image but, as they are still within the same field of view, each pixel will be smaller, and the resulting resolution will be higher.

Scan time savings with Deep Resolve Boost

Overall results

The evaluation of the installed scanners and the combination of shortened protocols, Eco Power Mode, and AI-enabled image processing supported a significant reduction in energy consumption—while improving image quality and increasing patient throughput. DIE RADIOLOGIE is currently evaluating their fleet size and is expecting to perform more examinations per scanner. Implementing all measures in their entire fleet of 12 MRI systems from Siemens Healthineers will lead to annual savings of €250,000 and an impressive 216 tons of CO2 savings—the equivalent of 17 two-person households.

Consolidated scan time reduction

Learn more about sustainability at Siemens Healthineers

By Doris Pischitz

Doris Pischitz is an editor in corporate communications at Siemens Healthineers. The team specializes in topics related to healthcare, medical technology, disease areas, and digitalization.

[1] Health care’s climate footprint. Health Care Without Harm Climate-smart health care series Green Paper Number One. Produced in collaboration with Arup. September 2019. Last accessed Jan 15, 2024.

[2] COCIR Guidelines for users on saving energy. Last accessed Jan 15, 2024.

[3] Heye T, Knoerl R, Wehrle T, Mangold D, Cerminara A, Loser M, et al. The Energy Consumption of Radiology: Energy- and Cost-saving Opportunities for CT and MRI Operation. Radiology 2020; 295:593–605.

CO₂ calculations based on Entwicklung des CO₂-Emissionsfaktors für den Strommix in Deutschland in den Jahren 1990 bis 2022. Last accessed Jan 18, 2024.

¹ Turning off the system does not affect the magnetic field of the scanner, which remains at its nominal strength. Therefore, please continue to operate local MRI safety within the department.

Dr. Notohamiprodjo receives financial support from Siemens Healthineers for collaborations.

The statements by customers of Siemens Healthineers described herein are based on results that were achieved in the customer’s unique setting. Since there is no “typical” hospital and many variables exist (e.g., hospital size, case mix, level of IT adoption) there can be no guarantee that other customers will achieve the same results.