GE Healthcare has introduced a new in-field upgrade program for 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems in most regions globally. A currently installed GE Healthcare 1.5T LCC magnet may be upgraded to the new SIGNA Explorer Lift so customers can benefit from the modernized patient comfort, workflow efficiency and diagnostic quality of this system.

By upgrading, customers can potentially benefit from cost savings in multiple ways up to 50 percent savings in construction cost, up to 50 percent savings in equipment cost in comparison to a new 1.5T system, and up to 30 percent increase in procedures due to potential increased throughput and referrals.

"In a time when healthcare systems are being challenged by reduced reimbursements and longer patient wait times. This upgrade program will enable them to add new clinical capabilities and access the increased efficiency of SIGNA Explorer while leveraging their current MRI investment. By extending their MRI capacity and service lines, clinicians may receive more referrals and therefore potentially generate more revenue. This program reinforces our commitment to the GE Continuum by providing clinicians with solutions to avoid obsolescence and remain up-to-date on the latest clinical offerings," said Mr Eric Stahre, president and CEO of GE Healthcare MRI.

The SIGNA Explorer represents the latest offering from GE Healthcare, which is designed to help clinicians improve workflow, lower cost of ownership and improve patient comfort all at the same time. This system was designed to use 34 percent less power than previous generation MRI systems and require a smaller footprint for installation. The upgrade to SIGNA Explorer covers an impressive range of productivity-enhancing applications and new features to enhance patient comfort compared to previous generation systems. For example, SilentScan, GE Healthcare's revolutionary quiet technology, takes patient comfort to a new level. SIGNA Explorer and the upgrade also feature MAVRIC SL, which brings the power of MRI to patients with MRI-conditional metal implants by enabling visualization of soft tissue and bone near the implant.

This upgrade will start to be made commercially available to the GE Healthcare MRI installed base during the coming months, in the US and other countries where the SIGNA Explorer is available for sale (and has been approved, cleared or registered by the appropriate regulatory authorities).