UK’s first virtually helium-free MRI truck makes its debut at UKIO

At UKIO in Liverpool, Royal Philips showcased the first mobile virtually helium-free MRI system, marking a significant step in improving patient access to diagnostic technology while reducing its impact on the environment.

Housed in a mobile truck provided by Lamboo Medical, the system comprises a Philips MR 5300 scanner equipped with a Philips BlueSeal magnet, the first 1.5T fully sealed magnet, which requires 0.5 per cent of the helium of a conventional Philips MRI system.

Philips says that more than 1.9 million litres of helium have been saved by MRI systems equipped with BlueSeal magnet technology since 2018.

Equipping a mobile truck with an MR 5300 scanner and BlueSeal magnet offers healthcare providers the potential to achieve greater efficiencies when undertaking patient scans by making them more easily available for patients in the community rather than at hospital sites, improving clinical workflow and reducing health costs in the face of staff shortages.

Introduced in 2018, Philips says its BlueSeal technology is expanding the global reach of MRI to places where it was previously too difficult to install and maintain, including remote and isolated locations. Its magnet is 900kg lighter than a traditional system and does not require a quench pipe.

Global business unit leader MR Ruud Zwerink said: “Mobilising our BlueSeal technology is a significant development for imaging in the UK that will pave the way for best-in-class diagnosis, assessment and treatment, while supporting our health providers to lower their running costs, due to the lighter weight of the system and reduced helium, and progress on net zero goals.”

Pictured: Philips managing director UK&I Mark Leftwich, business manager imaging UK&I Beatrice Cosgrove, global business unit leader MR Ruud Zwerink and MR leader Europe region Fernando Erazo.

Published on the front page of the August issue of RAD Magazine.