Esaote’s New Weight-Bearing MRI Improves Imaging For Patients With Pain

CHICAGO -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- For many patients, diagnosing their back, hip, or knee pain is best accomplished by imaging anatomy in a weight-bearing, or standing, position. At the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons in Chicago, Esaote introduces the new G-scan Brio with eXP technology to give physicians a cost-effective tool for performing both traditional and weight-bearing musculoskeletal MRI exams.

G-scan Brio is an open, non-claustrophobic musculoskeletal MRI system designed for cost-effective operation and patient comfort. New eXP technology is a combination of hardware and software that enables faster imaging exams while decreasing power consumption and reducing operating costs.

Traditional MRI systems require the patient to lie down on a bed and be transported into an immovable tube for the exam. With G-scan Brio, a patient will lie down on the bed, and then the bed and open magnet both rotate on a central axis, enabling the patient to be examined in a weight-bearing position. Physicians can now compare weight-bearing and traditional supine studies to make the most accurate diagnosis.

“For many patients, their symptoms worsen when they’re standing or in a weight-bearing position,” said Douglas Smith, MD, founder of Musculoskeletal Imaging Consultants in San Antonio, TX. “Traditional MRI systems scan these patients in a recumbent position, which fails to explain their symptoms. Consequently, many patients don’t receive the proper treatment and suffer needlessly.”

New eXP technology combines powerful hardware platform with advanced software to decrease imaging time by as much as 40%, which is critically important when imaging patients with pain. Since many patients have metal implants, new Metal Artifact Reduction sequences minimize metal artifacts associated with MR imaging.

Along with G-scan Brio’s unique weight-bearing spine imaging capabilities, the system also provides high quality images of the hip, shoulder, arms, and legs that rival large, expensive whole body MRI systems.

“We created G-scan Brio, with eXP technology, to address an important clinical gap, while operating at a fraction of the cost of a whole-body MRI system,” said Bill Conn, Director of MRI Marketing at Esaote North America. “Shortening imaging exam times makes the entire process more efficient for both patient and operator. New eXP technology not only adds clinical enhancements, but also takes a smart approach to MR hardware that reduces power consumption, space requirements, and operating costs for healthcare facilities.”

The G-Scan Brio, with eXP technology, will be on display at the Esaote exhibit (#4241) during the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons held at McCormick Place in Chicago March 20-22, 2013.

About Esaote North America, Inc.
Esaote North America, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a leading provider of multi-disciplinary ultrasound and musculoskeletal MRI systems in the U.S. Established in 1979, Esaote North America is part of Esaote Group, a global leader in the research, production and marketing of diagnostic medical equipment. Esaote is among the largest manufacturers of ultrasound systems worldwide and prides itself on achieving superior price-performance over competitors through its focus on only ultrasound and musculoskeletal MRI. For more information, visit www.esaoteusa.com.

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