GE expanding presence in low-cost MRI market

Two new magnetic resonance imaging scanners developed by GE Healthcare are expected to aid healthcare providers both in the U.S. and in emerging markets that are focused on acquiring less-costly and more-efficient systems.

The Optima MR360 Advance and Brivo MR355 Inspire, both of which are 1.5 Tesla MR scanners, received 510(K) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration in March. GE Healthcare, based in Waukesha, Wis., is one of the largest manufacturers of advanced imaging technology. Some healthcare facilities have acquired 3T MRI scanners, which are more high powered than 1.5T scanners.

The systems are priced around $1 million or less, making them two of the less expensive MR imaging systems within GE's MR suite, according to Jason Launders, a health devices senior project officer at the ECRI Institute, an independent health technology assessment organization based in Plymouth Meeting, Pa.

GE's suite of MR scanners range in price from less than $1 million to more than $2 million, said Bryan Mock, GE's MR global product marketing manager. He said the costs of the new scanners are on the low end of the spectrum.

“There are growing needs for these systems globally,” Mock added. “It's about increasing access to MR technology with a very effective cost position and total cost of ownership.”

Imaging centers and some hospitals in the U.S., including community and rural facilities and those looking to acquire additional MR scanners, will be most likely to purchase the new scanners. Those facilities tend to conduct a high volume of MR scans.

“This is bread and butter work,” Launders noted.

Both Mock and Launders said the scanners will be also used by facilities for routine scans in emerging markets. Hospitals and healthcare providers in some emerging markets often purchase used scanners from American hospitals.

The newly cleared MR scanners may serve as a cost-effective alternative to providers in the Caribbean or South America that have traditionally bought used scanners, Launders noted. Mock said that Africa and Middle East are two other markets where the scanners are likely to be purchased.