GE Healthcare

SIGNA Voyager ™
Technical Data
Contents
SIGNA Voyager................................................................................................................................................... 3
Magnet................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Gradients............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Total Digital Imaging RF Receive.................................................................................................................... 6
RF Transmit Technology................................................................................................................................... 7
Volume Reconstruction Engine....................................................................................................................... 8
TDI Coil Suite...................................................................................................................................................... 9
TDI Coil Suite.................................................................................................................................................... 10
TDI Coil Suite.................................................................................................................................................... 11
Flex Coil Suite................................................................................................................................................... 12
Flex Coil Suite Specifications......................................................................................................................... 13
Autoflow Workflow.......................................................................................................................................... 14
SIGNA Voyager with Autoflow ...................................................................................................................... 17
Computing platform ....................................................................................................................................... 21
SIGNA Voyager Scantools .............................................................................................................................. 22
Imaging Options and Parallel Imaging Support........................................................................................ 24
Neuro Applications.......................................................................................................................................... 25
Spectroscopy Applications............................................................................................................................. 27
Breast Applications......................................................................................................................................... 28
Cardiovascular Applications......................................................................................................................... 29
Inhance Application Suite.............................................................................................................................. 31
Body Applications............................................................................................................................................ 32
Musculoskeletal Applications........................................................................................................................ 34
Pediatric Applications‡.................................................................................................................................... 35
SIGNA Voyager Scan Parameters................................................................................................................. 37
Siting and Other Specifications..................................................................................................................... 38
Miscellaneous................................................................................................................................................... 39
SIGNA Voyager
Enter a whole new realm of possibility in MR with the new SIGNA Thanks to pioneering technology, we’ve advanced the capabilities
Voyager.This system is designed to maximize productivity and of wide-bore MR by delivering 1.5T image quality with both high
workflow while delivering extraordinary clinical potential and productivity and an extraordinary patient experience.
exceptional patient comfort. And it has one of the smallest
Building on the solid foundation of proven 1.5T LCC magnet
footprints and one of the lowest power consumptions in the
technology SIGNA Voyager inclues the next generation in RF
industry for a 1.5T wide bore system.
technology and gradient technology.
Get ready to experience MR excellence!
Built on the latest GE MR platform, the SIGNA Voyager offers a wide
SIGNA Voyager: Skyrocket your MR performance. range of advanced clinical functionality, making it a workhorse 1.5T
system for practices of various sizes and specialties.

3
Magnet
The foundation for quality and flexibility Magnet Specifications
When it comes to improving the patient experience and providing Magnet Length 173 cm
high image quality no other component of an MRI system has
Operating field strength 1.5T (63.86 MHz)
greater impact than the magnet. The SIGNA Voyager features a
wide bore magnet that deliversa large field of view. The magnet Magnet shielding Active
geometry has been optimized to reduce patient anxiety by EMI shielding factor 99%
providing more space in the bore. The 50cm field of view provides Size (W x L x H) 2.07 m x 1.73 m x 2.36 m
uniform image quality and could reduce exam times since fewer Magnet weight 3900 kg
acquisitions may be necessary to cover large anatomy.
Magnet cooling Cryogenic (liquid helium)
Easy siting and affordable operation: Long-term stability < 0.1 ppm/hour
Complemented by GE’s active shielding technology, the SIGNA Cryogen refill period Zero boil off
Voyager has very flexible installation specification for easy siting. Fringe field – (axial x radial) 5 Gauss = 4.0 m x 2.5 m
And with zero-boil-off technology helium refills are effectively 1 Gauss = 5.7 m x 3.4 m
eliminated, thus reducing operating costs and maximizing uptime.
Manufacturer GE Healthcare
Magnet Enclosure
This magnet enclosure system is designed to provide several *Under normal operating conditions
benefits for the patient and technologist:
• Patient anxiety is eased, resulting in reduced exam time for Patient focused design
uncooperative patients Patient Bore L x W x H) 163 cm x 70 cm x 70 cm
• Technologists have easy access to the patient Patient Aperture 74 cm
Patient comfort module Head or feet first entry
Magnet shim Dual-flaired patient bore
High homogeneity is assured – our SIGNA Voyager magnet 2 way in-bore intercom system
provides excellent results for: Adjustable in-bore lighting system
Adjustable in-bore patient
• Large FOV imaging up to 50 cm
ventilation system
• Off-center FOV imaging such as elbow, shoulder and wrist
imaging
Diameter Volume Typical ppm Gauranteed ppm
• Robust fat saturation required for abdominal, breast and (x, y, z)
musculoskeletal imaging
10cm DSV 0.007 0.02
• High-performance applications, such as cardiac, diffusion tensor
and spectroscopy 20cm DSV 0.035 0.06
30cm DSV 0.10 0.15
40cm DSV 0.40 0.50
45cm DSV 1.04 1.25
50cm DSV 3.10 4.00
Volume Root-Mean-Square (V–RMS) values are computed from 24
measurements on each of 32 planes with linear terms set to zero.

4
Gradients
The gradients of an MR system play a crucial role when it comes RF Coil Isolation
to imaging performance, throughput, and consistency during During gradient pulses, the RF body coil acts as secondary source
clinical practice. Gradient speed, accuracy, and reproducibility of noise. To further reduce vibration to the patient, the RF body
often determine the success of demanding acquisitions like coil mounting has been optimally designed.
DTI and Fiesta. SIGNA Voyager introduces Ultra High Efficiency
(UHE) gradient system that includes Intelligent Gradient Control Vibro-Acoustic Isolation
technology. This novel technology enables the SIGNA Voyager to To isolate the magnet from the building and reduce the
deliver excellent TR and TE values that enable a superior clinical transmission of acoustic noise in the structure, GE has designed
performance. a vibroacoustic-dampening pad that sits under the feet of the
magnet. The dampening characteristics of the pad are optimized
Gradient Performance based on the magnet geometry and weight.
Peak amplitude 36 mT/m Fidelity, accuracy, and reproducibility
Peak Slew-rate 150 T/m/s Gradient systems have historically been defined in terms of peak
amplitude (mT/m) and slew rate of the generated field (T/m/s).
Maximum FOV (x,y,z) 50 cm x 50 cm x 48 cm
While these parameters are important in achieving high temporal
Duty Cycle 100% resolution parameters, such as TRs and TEs, applications such as
PROPELLER 3.0, TRICKS, and spectroscopy rely more heavily on
gradient fidelity, accuracy and reproducibility.
Ultra High Efficiency (UHE) Gradient System
The SIGNA Voyager gradient coil is 2x more efficient than previous Fidelity is defined as the degree to which an electronics system
generation of products (i.e. the Voyager gradient coil requires half accurately and reproducibly amplifies an input signal. Applied to
the amount of current required by previous designs to generate MR gradient systems, gradient fidelity refers to the system’s ability
the same gradient field). This eco-friendly design enables the to generate requested waveforms. The high fidelity of the SIGNA
gradients to deliver superior performance while significantly Voyager gradients is achieved through the use of innovative
reducing power consumption. The gradient is non-resonant and design of the digital control architecture within the gradient
actively shielded to minimize eddy currents and mechanical amplifier. This architecture has two digital control paths.
forces within the system. The gradient coil and the RF body coil • D
 edicated active feedback loop to regulate current
are integrated into a single module, which is water and air-cooled errors
for optimum duty-cycle performance and patient comfort.
• U
 nique feed-forward model to match amplifier output to
Further, the SIGNA Voyager gradient driver includes gradient coil response
IntelligentGradient Control (IGC) technology which employs
a digital control system that utilizes predictive models of the
Gradient Amplifier & Coil (water-cooled)
electrical and thermal characteristics of the gradient coil to
maximize the performance of the gradient system to deliver Control Optimized digital control system that
exceptional clinical performance. utilizes Intelligent Gradient Control (IGC)
with frequency dependent feed-forward
Quiet Technology (ART - Acoustic Reduction Technology) and feed-back model to deliver accurate
State-of-the-art clinical imaging demands the routine use of output with optimized performance
ultra-fast imaging techniques. The strong gradients interact
Gradient current 300 uAs
with the magnetic field to create mechanical forces resulting
accuracy
in acoustic noise. GE has implemented Quiet Technology
that significantly reduces acoustic noise and improves the CShot-to-Shot 150 uAs
patient environment. Acoustic reduction is achieved through a repeatability ‡
combination of careful system design choices and novel pulse Symmetry ‡ 100 uAs
sequence software that reduces the sharp transitions in gradient ‡
Typical gradient fidelity expressed in terms of the absolute integrated
waveform that are known to generate high levels of acoustic
errors in micro-Amperes-second (μAs). Gradient integral precision is the
noise. maximum integrated current error over a full-scale, echo-planar gradient
waveform. Shot-to-shot repeatability is the largest difference between
Gradient Coil Isolation and Acoustic Damping
integrated errors across waveforms. Symmetry is the largest difference in
The full performance of the High Efficiency Gradient System integrated current error when comparing positive and negative gradient
is used while helping to maintain a safe environment for the waveforms.
patient. Clear separation between the gradient coil, RF body
coil, and patient support structures ensures minimal component
interactions.

5
RF Architecture Total Digital Imaging
The SIGNA Voyager offers startling advances in imaging, starting TDI Recieve RF Architecture
with pioneering technology called TDI. It stands for Total Digital
Imaging, and it means greater clarity and increased SNR by up Number of available RF Channels 65/33
to 25%. TDI is built on three fundamental components: Number of available Digitizers (A/D 65/33
GE’s Direct Digital Interface (DDI) employs an independent converters)
analog-to-digital converter to digitize inputs from each RF Receiver sampling rate per channel 80 MHz
channel. Every input is captured and every signal digitized, 5200 Mega Samples /
Maximum Samples per second
literally redefining the concept of an RF channel. The result? Not
only does DDI technology improve SNR of our images, but it also (65ch/33ch) 2640 Mega Samples
works with legacy GE coils for unmatched flexibility. Quadrature demodulation Receiver Digital
TDI RF architecture introduces Digital Surround Technology (DST) Dynamic range at 1 Hz BW Receiver > 165 dB
with delivers the capability to simultaneously acquire MR signal Resolution Up to 32 bits
from the integrated body coil and the surface coil. By combining
the digital signal from surface coil elements with the signal from
the integrated RF body coil, the superior SNR and sensitivity of
the high-density surface coils are combined with the superior
homogeneity and deeper signal penetration of the integrated RF Transmit RF
Body Coil. The result? Richer, higher quality spine images.
Transmit RF Architecture RF
Digital Micro Switching (DMS) technology represents a
revolutionary advance in RF coil design by replacing analog Amplifier Water cooled, small footprint
blocking circuits with advanced Micro Electro-Mechanical System Maximum output power 16 kW Body
(MEMS) based blocking circuits. The result? Coil design that 2 kW Head
supports ultrafast coil switching times, enabling a platform for Maximum RF field with >20 uT
further expansion of “zero-TE” imaging capabilities. integrated body coil
SIGNA Voyager’s novel RF architecture enables superior image Transmit gain >100 dB (40 dB coarse/
quality, which enhances quantitative imaging capabilities. This >84 dB instantaneous)
unique architecture strengthens applications like 3D ASL, for high
SNR quantitative perfusion maps useful in many neurological RF exciter frequency range 63.86 ± 0.650 MHz
diagnoses, and IDEAL IQ, for quantitative fat fraction maps of the Frequency resolution <0.6 Hz/step
liver to aid in diagnosis. And neither application requires contrast 14 part per billion (0 to 50C)
Frequency stability
injections, eliminating both the cost of contrast and the pain of
needles. Phase resolution 0.005 degree/step
Amplitude control 16 bit with 12.5 ns resolution
Amplitude stability <0.1 dB over one min. at rated
power
2 amplitude modulators,
Digital RF pulse control
2 frequency/phase modulators

6
Volume Reconstruction Engine
Reconstruction performance today is challenged by explosive
growth in data, and increased computational complexity. The
amount of data to be stored and processed continues to increase
with the advances in MR system technology. The SIGNA Voyager
meets that challenge head-on with innovations in reconstruction to
take full advantage of computing power by leveraging both software
and hardware technology.
The SIGNA Voyager features a powerful volume reconstruction
engine (VRE 5.0) that enables real-time image generation, even when
massive parallel-imaging datasets are involved. The reconstruction
engine features onboard memory and local raw data storage
to support and maintain simultaneous data acquisition and
reconstruction under the most demanding applications.
With acquisition-to-disk capability, applications demanding more
memory capacity than locally available can stream raw data to the
hard disk to permit reconstruction of extremely large datasets.
VRE 5.0 delivers needed performance for today’s challenging
applications based on high channel counts and reconstruction
needs. The performance enhancement allows for much faster speed
compared to previous generation solutions due to core performance
gains.

Hardware Dell R630XL (Intel)

Dual Intel® Xeon® E5-2680v3 (12
Cores 2.6G)
Cores 30MB Intel® Smart Cache
DDR4 Memory Controller with
Turbo-Boost
Operating system Scientific Linux (T)

RAM 96GB DDR4-2133 RDIMM

Ethernet 4x Gigabit (10/100/1000)

Acquisition Disk 2 x 400GB Solid State Drive SATA

Reconstruction
63,796 2D FFT / sec
performance

7
TDI Coil Suite
Description PA Transparency
The TDI Coil Suite consists of a set of receive-only RF arrays designed The TDI Posterior Array is designed to be used in conjunction with
for use with the SIGNA Voyager 1.5T MR system. TDI stands for Total the TDI Head Neck Array, the 1.5T Anterior Array, and the Flex Coils.
Digital Imaging. When needed, the TDI Posterior Array has also been designed
to become transparent when additional surface coils are placed
The superior flexibility of the TDI RF architecture allows not only
directly on top of the table. With DMS technology, we have changed
newly designed TDI RF Coils, but also existing coils with proven
the paradigm when it comes to coil switching. With conventional
clinical performance, such as the Flex Coil Suite and the 1.5T Anterior
design, receive only surface coils require a positive bias to decouple
Array. The TDI Coil Suite includes the TDI Head Neck Array, a TDI
during transmit and become transparent. With DMS technology the
Posterior Array embedded in the Comfort Plus patient table, 1.5T
posterior array is always transparent (it does not require a positive
Anterior Array and the Flex coils. The Suite is indicated for use for:
bias during transmit) and becomes visible only when needed. This
head, neck, brachial-plexus, spine, pelvis, hips, prostate, abdominal,
provides a very robust decoupling mechanism and the Posterior
cardiac, lower extremities, blood vessels, and long bone imaging. The
Array can support additional coils directly on top of its surface with
combined use of the entire TDI Coil Suite will facilitate high-resolution,
no impact to image quality. This feature is critically important for
high-SNR whole-body imaging from the top of the head down to the
technologist workflow, especially for breast and musculoskeletal
feet.
exams.
The TDI Coil Suite introduces Digital Micro Switching (DMS)
technology that is included in the design of the posterior array Patient Comfort Pads
coil. DMS technology represents the future of RF coil technology To improve patient comfort, the TDI Coil Suite includes an innovative
by replacing wasteful power consuming RF coil components with set of Patient Comfort pads.The pads are designed with highly
sophisticated MEMS components that operate efficiently, precisely reliable uniform density foam that is designed to support a wide
and reliably. range of patient sizes and weights.
The pad coating is strong, easily cleanable, and processed with
Coil Mode Configuration
an Ultra-Fresh treatment. An anti-skid undersurface reduces pad
The 1.5T TDI Coil Suite was designed to reduce multiple physical coil
movement and thus may simplify setup and egress.
changes within a single exam and between different exams, and to
improve patient comfort. The system will automatically select the coil
mode configuration that best fits the selected region of interest. The
combined effect is to help reduce the total duration of an exam and
improve workflow.
TDI Posterior Array (PA)
The TDI Posterior Array is the first coil to include the Digital Micro
Switch (DMS) which enables it to achieve ultra-fast coil switching
to enable a platform for “zero-TE” imaging capability and further
expansion of SilentScan capability.
To simplify the workflow for the technologist and increase efficiency,
the system will automatically select the appropriate subset of coil
elements based upon the prescribed field-of-view.
Whole body imaging is supported..

TDI Posterior Array Specifications

Length 120.5 cm (47.4 in)
Width 48.6 cm (19.1 in)
S/I Coverage 113 cm (44.4 in)
Head-first or feet-first 32
imaging Elemnets
TDI Coil Suite
TDI Head Neck Array (HNA) 1.5T Anterior Array (AA)
The TDI HNA is a standard component of the TDI Coil Suite. The HNA The 1.5T Anterior Array is a standard component of the TDI Coil Suite
consists of 3 imaging components: a head base-plate, an anterior that facilitates chest, abdomen, pelvis, and cardiac imaging with the
neuro-vascular face-array, and the open face adapter. TDI RF coil suite. The Anterior Array is lightweight, flexible, thin and
pre-formed to conform to the patient’s size and shape. With 54 cm
The open-face design provides a patient-friendly feel. The base plate
of S/I coverage, the coil permits upper abdominal and pelvic imaging
may be used with the open face adapter to accommodate cervical
without repositioning the patient. The 16 element electrical design
spine exams in large or claustrophobic patients or for patients with
supports parallel imaging in all 3 planes.
intubation. Improved access and patient comfort may be achieved
through elevation of the superior end of the coil. The HNA with Two Anterior Arrays can be combined to deliver extended coverage
anterior NV Face-Array consists of 21 elements arranged to provide with abdomen imaging and for run-off studies.
parallel imaging support in all 3 planes.
The HNA also includes a flexible bill for coverage of aortic arch while
also delivering high patient comfort.

TDI Head Neck Array Specifications

Length 53 cm
Width 35 cm
Height 35 cm Anterior Array

Weight of HNU base and 6.5 kg

Anterior Adapter Anterior Array Specifications
R/L Coverage in brain mode 24 cm Length 55.6 cm (21.9 in)
S/I Coverage in NV mode 45 cm, when combined with Width 67.4 cm (26.5 in)
TDI PA Height 3.3 cm (1.3 in)
R/L Coverage in brain mode 24 cm Weight 2.8 kgs (6.16 lb) resting on
R/L Coverage in NV mode 32 cm patient 3.9 kgs (8.6 lb) with
cable
Acceleration factors 1D R=3, 2D R=6
S/I Coverage 54 cm (21.3 in)
Number of elements Up to 29 elements in the FOV,
when combined with TDI PA R/L Coverage to the full 50 cm (19.7 in)
and AA FOV of the system
Number of elements Up to 28 elements in the FOV,
TDI Head Neck Array with Open Face
when combined with the PA
Anterior Adapter Specifications
Acceleration factors (with PA): 1D R=3, 2D R=9
Length 53 cm
Width 35 cm
Height 21 cm
Weight 5 kg
S/I Coverage 45 cm, when
combined with TDI PA
R/L Coverage 24 cm
Number of elements Up to 14 elements in the FOV,
when combined with TDI PA

9
Peripheral Vascular / Lower Extremity Array - optional Optional Peripheral Vascular/Lower Extremity Array
The PVA is an optional component of the TDI Coil Suite that
Specifications
facilitates imaging of the thighs and lower legs. The high-density
layout supports parallel imaging in all 3 planes. The coil incorporates Length 105 cm (41.3 in)
an innovative hinge design between the upper & lower elements to
Width 2nd station: 64.2 cm (25.3 in)
simplify patient setup. In addition, to improve patient comfort, the 3rd station: 51.6 cm (20.3 in)
lower leg section of the coil is fully supported by the Comfort Plus
table and not the patient. Height 24.8 cm (9.8 in)
Weight 9.1 kg (20.0 lbs)

S/I Coverage 104 cm (49.9 in) overall

2nd station: 52 cm (20.5 in)
3rd station: 52 cm (20.5 in)
R/L Coverage to the full 50 cm (19.7 in)
FOV of the system
Feet-first imaging

Number of elements Up to 35 elements in the FOV,

when combined with the PA
Acceleration factors 1D R=3, 2D R=6
PVA in un-folded position

10
Flex Coil Suite
The Flex Coil Suite is a versatile set of high density 16ch
coils designed to give high quality images in a wide range
of applications. The high degree of flexibility is particularly
advantageous when imaging patients that do not fit the
constraints of rigid coils, improving the patient and technologist
experience, and enabling most exams to be completed with the
same level of image quality expected from dedicated coils.
The coils are available in Small, Medium, and Large. The full Flex
Suite is intended to cover a broad range of muscular skeletal
applications, including upper and lower extremities of hand, wrist,
elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle, and foot.

Flex Coil Suite Specifications

Component Coverage (WxL) Wrap Diameter Elements Weight

Flex Coil, Large 23 cm x 71 cm 15.5 cm – 21.5 cm 16 1.2 kg

Flex Coil, Medium 23 cm x 57 cm 11.5 cm – 15.5 cm 16 0.9 kg

Flex Coil, Small 23 cm x 44 cm 9.0 cm – 12.5 cm 16 0.9 kg

16ch Flex Coil (M) Flex coil with Knee interface

High Resolution Knee Imaging

11
RF Coils and Arrays
There are also optional coils available to configure a SIGNA Voyager system to meet specific applications requirements. The coils listed
below are commercially available at the time of printing and are optional with the system. Please contact your local GE sales representative
for the most current list.

HD Breast Array Shoulder Phased Array 8ch Foot Ankle Coil

• 8-channel phased-array design • 3-channel phased-array coil • 8 channel phased array design
• Optimized for uniformity, parallel imaging • Sleeve design. • Chimney design adds versatility for high
and VIBRANT Comprehensive shoulder imaging SNR foot and ankle imaging
• Bilateral and unilateral breast imaging • H
 omogeneous penetration of humeral • Coil dimensions: 53 x 36 x 38 cm
• Biopsy plates available head and neck, rotator cuff, glenoid
labrum, acromium process and
• Coil dimensions: 50 x 54 x 25 cm glenohumeral articular surfaces

16ch T/R Knee Array

• 16 channels
• Parallel imaging in all 3 directions
• Coil dimensions: 51 x 29 x 55 cm

13
Autoflow Workflow
SIGNA Voyager’s AutoFlow suite of features makes workflow Auto Protocol Optimization (APx)
easier and more efficient than ever: Auto protocol Optimization enables a simple and automated
workflow for breath-hold imaging. Technologists are liberated
from troublesome parameter adjustments to optimize scan time
and image quality by selecting among protocol parameters
automatically calculated by the MR system. Auto Protocol
Optimization enables breath-hold exams with more reliable
image quality and more predictable exam duration, regardless of
patient profile (breath hold capability and physical characteristics)
or operator skill level.
Auto Navigators:
Delivers real-time robust free breathing respiratory motion
compensation tostreamline routine and advanced body imaging.
They are compatible with DISCO, Turbo LAVA,Turbo LAVA Flex and
GE’s body imaging suite.
READYView
READYView is a visualization platform that enables access to Pause and Resume:
advanced post processing tools that enable both speed and Eliminates the need to redoscans or retrace your steps, giving you
advanced capabilities. It helps the user get the most from multi- greaterflexibility to respond to patient needs mid-scan.
parametric exams by enabling analysis of MR data sets with
multiple images for each scan location. The user experience eXpress PreScan 2.0
driven framework offers a combination of protocols and tools Optimized PreScan step leading to an increase in efficiency of the
that enables quantified analyses of multiple data sets quickly and calibration process enabled by the new eXpress algorithm 2.0
easily. Some of the key capabilities of READYView are FSE phase correction algorithms. This leads to as much as a 40%
reduction in pre-scan time, translating to a time savings per exam
Analyze the following type of MR data sets: of up to 6 minutes* (Based on a routine MSK protocol containing
• Time series conventional FSE based sequences).
• Diffusion weighted scan Streamlined workflow
• Diffusion tensor scan The TDI Coil Suite, Comfort Plus Patient Table, IntelliTouch
technology and dual in-room displays (IRD) streamline the
• Variable echo imaging
SIGNA Voyager workflow and help you improve patient care by
• Blood oxygen level dependent imaging letting you keep your focus where it’s needed most – on your
• Spectroscopy (single voxel and 2D or 3D CSI) patient. With autoflow, entire exams are completed in just a
few mouse-clicks due to the automated acquisition, processing,
• Elastography1 imaging and networking capabilities of the patient setup and work-flow
• Simple workflow to process and fuse functional data. features of the SIGNA Voyager.
• Select and process functional data with One Touch single TDI Coil Suite
click capability. The TDI Coil Suite helps dramatically improve patient setup and
• READY View automatically selects the most relevant protocol workflow. Because the posterior array is embedded in the table
for you. and because the coils are significantly lighter than previous
generations, MR technologists are required to lift and handle less
• Efficient multi-contrast exam reading using MR General weight. Also, the posterior array becomes transparent to the
Review based on smart layout technology. system when other surface coils are deployed, so that special
• Adaptive multi-parametric protocols as guided workflow to handling and configuration steps are not required to scan with
streamline processing and analysis of multi-parametric studies. options such as the Flex coils or the breast array. Finally, to
help reduce anxiety and improve compliance, the TDI Coil Suite
• Display all multi-parametric images and get all related
enables patients to be scanned feet-first as well.
functional values from a single ROI deposition.
• Fully customizable workflows with adjustable layouts, Comfort Plus patient table
personalized parameter and settings, custom review steps. The SIGNA Voyager offers a fully integrated Comfort Plus patient
table (also known as TDI patient table), which features the
• Easy-to-use slide bars let you segment parametric images in embedded TDI Posterior Array, helps improve exam efficiency,
real time. and patient comfort. The Comfort Plus patient table can
• Display and export ROI statistics from the Summary table be lowered to very low heights for easy and fast transfer of
wheelchair patients. The cradle width has also been increased
• Export graph values as csv file
by 30% from previous generations to enable a more comfortable
• Save State let you save and restore the state of the experience for patients.
processed images at any stage.
• Contextual help pages that give general assistance about
the image processing algorithms.
• Save all generated parametric images in one click.

14
High-density coil interface IntelliTouch patient positioning workflow
SIGNA Voyager with TDI technology takes the guess-work out IntelliTouch technology can enhance exam productivity by
of coil plug-in and identification by automatically identifying the eliminating the need for laser alignment and reduces the number
coil that is connected. Prominent visual indicators near the coil of steps for patient preparation.
connection port allow the technologist to ensure a secure coil For those patients where more precise alignment is desired, lasers
connection, every time. may be used for either the selection or confirmation of landmark
Comfort Plus Patient Table positioning.
The SIGNA Voyager has automated many routine tasks to both
Min/max table height 52 to 93 cm, continuous
simplify patient preparation and reduce errors. With IntelliTouch
Patient table drive Automated, power driven vertical and technology, the following tasks can be completed by simply
longitudinal touching the side of the table and pressing the advance to scan
Longitudinal speed 25 cm/sec (fast) and 1.9 cm/sec (slow) button.
15 cm/sec for patient positioning
• Landmark the patient
Total cradle length 244cm
• Activate the surface coil
Total cradle travel 264 cm
Scannable range 168 cm • Center the patient in the bore

Peripherals connector on cradle • Start scanning

Maximum patient 250 kgs (550 lbs) • Acquire, process and network images
weight for scanning
Dual system control panels
Maximum lift capacity 250 kgs (550 lbs) For operation on either side of the scanner, two ergonomically
Patient transport Drawers designed control panels are integrated into the front of the
accessories system enclosures. These panels incorporate backlit buttons to
Landmarking • L aser alignment with S/I and R/L guide the user to the next logical step in exam setup.
alignment From the system control panels you can:
• IntelliTouch Landmarking Capability • Position the table
Coil connection ports Four ports. Three high density auto- • Home position
coil sensing connection ports, fourth
port for embedded PA coil • Stop table

15
Dual In-room display monitors (IRD) Together, the significant advances of the SIGNA Voyager are
Simplify exam preparation and reduce the time between patients designed to help improve care by enabling technologists to help
with the dual high-resolution, touch-screen in-room operator maintain their focus where it is needed the most – on the patient.
consoles. With an in-room display monitor available at either
side of the magnet, the technologist always has all the control he
needs at his fingertips, irrespective of which side he is operating
from. Further touch-screen capability makes the controls even
more intuitive and easy to use.
By consolidating all controls into one place, the IRD provides
real-time feedback to the user to help ensure that any necessary
changes in patient setup are quickly and clearly related back
to the user. The IRD enables the user to visualize cardiac and
respiratory waveforms directly in the exam room – eliminating
the need for the technologist to leave the room and improving
the patient experience. The IRD also allows for the integration of
third-party interfaces and tools.
The SIGNA Voyager includes two touch-screen In Room Display
monitors, one on each side of the system to improve ergonomics
for the technologist, the display provides realtime interaction with
the scanner and the host computer. The user has direct control or
selection of the following:
• Display of patient name, ID, study description
• Display and entry of patient weight
• Display and entry of patient orientation and patient position
• C
 ardiac waveform display and ECG/EKG lead confirmation with
gating control: trigger select, invert and reset
• Respiratory waveform display
• IntelliTouch technology landmarking
• A
 utoStart – initiate the scanner to automatically acquire,
process, and network images
• Display connected coils and coil status
• Display of table location and scan time remaining
• Screen saver
• Control multiple levels of in-bore ventilation and lighting

16
SIGNA Voyager with AutoFlow
Autoflow MWL provides complete control of the MRI protocol prescription.
The SIGNA Voyager with autoflow scan interface incorporates The protocol may be selected well in advance of the patient’s
many features designed to lighten the workload by automating arrival at the MR suite, thereby simplifying exam preparation and
many routine steps. reducing necessary work by the technologist during the time-
critical procedure.
The SIGNA Voyager includes an automated protocol-driven user
interface designed for consistency in generating high-quality The ConnectPro software enables the DICOM worklist server
imaging for all patients and from all technologists. Designed for class for the SIGNA Voyager Operator’s Console. This software
efficiency, the SIGNA Voyager computer platform is built upon may require separate gateway hardware to connect non-
a parallel, multi-processor design that delivers the simultaneity DICOMcompatible HIS/RIS systems to the MR system.
and speed needed for advanced clinical operation. Productivity,
Protocol libraries and properties
efficiency and streamlined data management are achieved
The SIGNA Voyager system provides the user with complete
through simultaneous scanning, reconstruction, filming, archiving,
control of protocols for simple prescription, archiving, searching,
networking and post-processing.
and sharing. The protocols are organized into two main libraries,
Though the protocol-driven workflow can dramatically simplify GE Optimized and Site Authored. For quick search and selection,
and automate image acquisition and processing, the flexibility each protocol may be archived with independent properties
that is synonymous with GE systems is maintained. If desired, the based on patient demographics, anatomy, type of acquisition, or
user can have complete control of exact sequence parameters identification number . For commonly used protocols, a favorites
for site optimization and patient specific situations. flag may be used for quick selection from the Modality Worklist or
for sharing across other libraries.
Modality worklist
The modality worklist (MWL) provides an automated method
of obtaining exam and protocol information for a patient
directly from a DICOM Worklist server. For sites with full DICOM
connectivity, once a patient has been selected from the MWL, a
new session can be opened on the host interface and the IRD will
highlight the relevant exam details. For sites that do not have full
connectivity, minimal data entry (patient number and weight) is
necessary prior to starting a new session. Additional data fields
for patien -sensitive information such as allergies, premedication,
pregnancy status, and history are provided.

Adult and Pediatric Protocol libraries for simple management of exams

17
 Each protocol or series AutoScan*
can be saved with With AutoScan enabled, the Workflow Manager will sequentially
user-defined properties
go through the list of prescribed series without any user
to simplify search and
selection for future interaction. Once a series has been completed, the next series
use. Favorite protocols will be scanned automatically. For series requiring contrast, the
can be highlighted for system will await user interaction.
quick selection from
Automatic
the Modality Worklist or
Calibration screen
other libraries.

ProtoCopy
Standard on every SIGNA Voyager system, the ProtoCopy feature
enables a complete exam protocol to be shared with the click of
a mouse. The exam protocol can originate from either a library
or previously acquired exam. This enables routine archive of
protocols for emergency backup and simple management of
libraries across multiple systems.
Workflow manager
Once a protocol has been selected for an exam, it is automatically
loaded into the Workflow Manager. The Workflow Manager
controls image prescription, acquisition, processing, visualization, Auto calibration
and networking and may fully automate these steps if requested. A calibration scan is necessary for any acquisition that uses either
ASSET parallel imaging or PURE surface coil intensity correction.
A system preference can be selected to automatically acquire
calibration data if desired. When needed, a calibration scan is
automatically prescribed and acquired based on the clinical
imaging volumes saved by the user. The reduced time lapse
between the calibration and clinical scan minimizes possibility of
patient movement and this may help improve image quality.
1.5T PURE
1.5T B1 uniformity correction for Neuroimaging includes an
algorithm that considers both transmit and multichannel receive
effects, allowing for a corrected image with improved image
uniformity.
Auto coil prescription
The Workflow Manager automatically Once the patient has been landmarked on the Comfort Plus
loads the protocol and controls image patient table with the appropriate components of the TDI Coil
prescription, acquisition, processing,
and visualization
Suite, the system will automatically determine the optimum
subset of elements to enable for scanning. The optimization of the
AutoStart* elements is based upon the prescribed FOV and will automatically
If AutoStart is selected, once the landmark position has been set adjust if the FOV changes in either size or position over the
and the technologist exits the scan room, the Workflow Manager anatomy. The user has the option to view and edit the physical
will automatically start the acquisition. coil extents and the optimally selected element coverage.

18
Ready Brain Application Protocol notes and Video Guides
An MRI examination of the brain consists of a number of GE Protocols that are included in the system contain Protocol
connected steps. Ready Brain provides the flexibility to automate Notes that provide guidance and tips that are very pertinent to
a number of these connected steps ranging from acquiring a the procedure being performed. For specific applications, protocol
localizer image, prescribing acquisition planes, scanning relevant notes also include Video Guides that provide step-by-step video
series, performing post-processing up to transferring the final instructions that guide the user to perform relevant tasks.
image data to a reading station. By standardizing the steps of an Protocol Notes are also editable by the user as each protocol
exam and the location of the scan planes, such automation could defined by the MR staff includes Protocol Notes. The content
result in greater consistency, especially in longitudinal follow-up. the MR staff adds to the Protocol Notes, on a series-by-series,
Ready Brain features an automatic localizer, automatic basis can include text and images. Protocol Notes allow the MR
calculation of the mid-sagittal plane for 2D/3D prescription staff to communicate protocol parameters, graphic prescription
and determination of the AC-PC line/OM line and correction for locations, etc. that are specific to your site. Protocol Notes appear
extreme (>45 degree) rotation. below AutoView. Protocol Notes and Video Guides provide
valuable point of use training.
Linking
Linking automates the prescription of images for each series in an
exam. Once the targeted anatomical region has been located the
Linking feature combines information from a prescribed imaging
series to all subsequent series in the Workflow Manager. All series
that have been linked may auto-matically be prescribed (Rx) and
no further interaction will be needed by the technologist to initiate
the scan. The user has control over which specific parameters
can be linked together. Series can have common fields of view,
obliquity, slice thickness, anatomical coverage, saturation bands,
or shim volumes. Multiple series can be linked together and saved
in the Protocol Library or edited in real time. Linking may be used
with any anatomy and with any acquisition. Once the first volume
is prescribed, all other subsequent series with the same planes
can be automatically prescribed and acquired.

Linking

AutoVoice*
The AutoVoice feature will ensure that consistent and repeatable
instructions are presented to the patient for each and every
exam. User selectable, pre-recorded instructions are presented
at defined points in the acquisition. This helps ensure that the
patient is in the right position and is fully aware of the next step
in the acquisition process. AutoVoice is particularly helpful during
breath-hold exams. The AutoVoice feature includes instructions in
over 14 languages and the user can create and include their own
unique voice instructions for local needs.
Inline viewing
Inline viewing allows the user to conveniently view, compare, and
analyze images without having to switch to the Browser.
Simply select the series to view from the Workflow Manager and
the images are displayed along with standard image display
tools. Image comparisons can be easily done by selecting
multiple series at a time. The integrated viewer allows the user to
seamlessly move between scanning and image viewing.

19
Inline processing Image fusion
The SIGNA Voyager workflow automates many of the routine To better visualize tissue and contrast, multiple images from
tasks that previously required user interaction. This dramatically separate acquisitions can be overlaid on one another. With the
reduces the workload for the user and helps ensure that SIGNA Voyager high-resolution 2D and 3D anatomical images can
consistent and repeatable images are presented for review. be fused with functional data or parametric maps for improved
Processing steps are automatically completed immediately after visualization for the user. The data is registered using translation
the data has been reconstructed and the images saved into the and rotation to ensure accurate fusion.
database. These automated processing steps can be saved in The automated workflow features of the system can be used
the Protocol Library to ensure consistent exam workflow for each for any anatomy and for any sequence. When combining the
type of patient. technology of AutoStart,* Linking, Inline Processing, AutoVoice,*
For certain tasks, such as vascular segmentation, the user must and the AutoScan* features, an entire exam can be completed
accept the results, or complete additional steps prior to saving the with just a few actions. The flexibility of the SIGNA Voyager user
images to the database. In these cases the data is automatically interface and acquisition parameters helps ensure that each
loaded into the appropriate tool, then the system will await acquisition is tailored for every patient. However, the technologist
further instruction by the user. Examples of fully automated and steps are kept consistent
partially automated inline processing include:
Image fusion
Inline processing capabilities
MR Standard 3D Registration
Diffusion Weighted Automatic compute and save ADC/eADC 3D Registration
Images ADC/ eADC Maps
Diffusion Tensor 3D Registration
Diffusion Tensor Images Automatic compute and save
BrainSTAT 3D Registration
FA/ADC Maps
SER (SIGNAl Enhancement Ratio) Reformat
Image Filtering: A-F, SCIC, Automatic compute and save
PURE T2 Mapping Reformat
Maximum/Minimum Intensity Automatic compute and save Spectroscopy (Brain and Breast) Automatic load
Projection
Reformat to orthogonal Automatic compute and save
planes
T2 Map for cartilage Automatic compute and save
evaluation
FiberTrak Automatic load
Spectroscopy – Single voxel Automatic load
brain and breast metabolite
3D Volume Viewer Automatic load
Spectroscopy – 2D/3D Automatic load
Chemical Shift Imaging
BrainStat (Readyview) Automatic load
Image Fusion Automatic load
Pasting Automatic compute and save
SER (Readyview) Automatic load
eDWI Automatic compute and save
3D ASL Automatic compute and save

20
Computing platform
Operator console Display
The SIGNA Voyager system comes equipped with a scan control
keyboard assembly that contains intercom speaker, microphone AutoView 432 x 432 Image Window (standard)
and volume controls, and an emergency stop switch. Start-scan, Window /Level 6 user-programmable keys on scan control
pause-scan, stop-scan, and table advance to isocenter hot keys (W/L) keyboard
are also included. 6 user-programmable options in image
viewer
DICOM Inbuilt video button to flip contrast
The SIGNA Voyager system generates MR Image, Secondary Arrow keys on scan control keyboard
Capture, and Gray Scale Softcopy Presentation State (GSPS) On-image through middle mouse button
DICOM objects. The DICOM networking supports both send and Save State stores user-selected image
query retrieve as well as send with storage commit orientation, user annotation and window
to integrate with the site’s PACS archive. DICOM filming support level
includes both Basic Grayscale and Basic Color Print Service Image display Zoom/Roam/Flip/Rotate/Scroll
Classes. Additionally, the SIGNA Voyager system supports the CT Explicit Magnify and Magnifying Glass
and PET image objects for display allowing the user to refer to Image Measurement Tools Grid On/Off
cross-modality studies. Cross Reference/User Annotation
Exam/Series Page
Computing Platform Hide Graphics/Erase Annotation/Screen Save
Accelerator Command Bar
Main CPU Intel® Xeon® E5-1620v3 Compare Mode/Reference
(Quad-Core 3.5Ghz ) Image/Image Enhance
10MB Intel® Smart Cache ClariView Image Filtering
DDR4 Memory Controller with Smooth and Sharpen Edge Filters
Turbo-Boost Minified Reference Scoutview
Host Memory 32GB DDR4-2133 RDIMM ECC Cine Paging
Add/Subtract/Edit Patient Data
Graphics Subsystem NVidia®Quadro K620
2GB DDR3 Memory Image display 256 Image buffer (256 x 256)at 30 fps
performance
Cabinets Single, tower configuration
Image Shadowed to permit ease in reading
System Disk 2 x 512GB Solid State Drive annotation Two graphic/text planes overlay the entire
SATA screen
Network 2 x Gigabit (10/100/1000) Grid placement with anatomical reference on
Ethernet Ports an image
Drawing and annotation may be added to
Data Storage and removed from images
DVD Interchange 8x DVD-RW SATA
Average 35,000 images per
4.7GB DVD

Filming
Filming Drag and Drop filming
One-button Print Series
One-button Print Page
Multi-image formats – from
1 to 42 images displayed
simultaneously in various
layouts
DICOM Basic Grayscale Print
Service Class
DICOM Basic Color Print Service
Class

Wide-screen display monitor

Display Monitor 24.1” Widescreen LCD Flat Panel
1920 x 1200 dot resolution
Non-interlaced, flicker-free presentation
Contrast ratio 1000:1
Digital DVI Interface

21
SIGNA Voyager Scantools
Pulse sequences and imaging options
The SIGNA Voyager scanner comes standard with a package of pulse sequences and applications optimized for 1.5T performance.

Computing Platform
Spin Echo A technique for generating T1, proton density and T2 images.
Fast-Spin Echo (FSE) These techniques utilize a short echo-train technology to reduce the time for image acquisition
Fast-Spin Echo XL (FSE XL) while minimizing image blurring from T2 decay.
Fast-Recovery Fast-Spin Echo The sequence of choice for high-quality, high-speed, and high-contrast T2-weighted imaging in
(FRFSE-XL) neurological, body, orthopedic, and pediatric applications. Compared to FSE, FRFSE allows shorter
acquisition times or increased slice coverage.
3DFRFSE A sequence for creating high-resolution, three-dimensional T2-weighted images of all anatomies
and is especially useful for MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) studies.
Single-Shot Fast-Spin Echo An ultra-fast technique that permits complete image acquisition following a single RF excitation. It
(SSFSE) can acquire slices in less than one second, making it an excellent complement to T2-weighted brain
and abdominal imaging and MRCP studies.
GRE This suite of gradient-echo techniques uses short TR and TE to generate T1- or T2-weighted images
FGRE in far less time than conventional SE. The ultra-short TR and TE possible with these sequences also
SPGR ensure the performance needed for high-resolution MRA studies.
FSPGR
2D and 3D Dual Echo A vital tool for abdominal imaging. This variation on conventional gradient echo provides a pair of
Gradient Echo images for which the SIGNAls from water and fat either are in-phase or out-of-phase. By design, all
of the images acquired within a single breath-hold are in perfect registration.
SPECIAL Spectral Inversion at Lipids (SPECIAL) is a spectral spatial inversion technique for fat saturation.
T1 FLAIR T1 and T2 Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) pulse sequences have been designed
T2 FLAIR expressly for neuro applications. FLAIR allows suppression of signal from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
In addition to this capability, T1 and T2 FLAIR add extraordinary contrast between white and gray
matter to T1- and T2-weighted brain and spine imaging.
Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) Essential tools for any high-throughput site employing advanced techniques. Echo planar imaging is
FLAIR Echo Planar Imaging what enables rapid imaging. And both echo planar and FLAIR echo planar techniques make it easier
to generate neuro studies from uncooperative patients who simply refuse to stay still long enough
for conventional techniques.
2D and 3D Time of Flight 2D TOF Imaging, 2D Gated TOF Imaging, 3D TOF Imaging and Enhanced 3D TOF Imaging are all ideal
(TOF) Imaging for MR angiography. Based on conventional gradient echo scanning, TOF imaging techniques rely
2D-Gated TOF Imaging primarily on flow-related enhancements to distinguish moving from stationary spins.
2D Phase Contrast (2DPC) These techniques demonstrate flow velocities and directional properties in vessels and other moving
3D Phase Contrast (3DPC) fluids such as CSF and aortic flow.
3D Gradwarp 3D Gradwarp is a technique integrated into image reconstruction that helps reduce image distortion
by compensating for gradient non-linearities in all three dimensions. This correction differs from
the default 2D correction that is conventionally performed by incorporating the slice direction into
the processing. SIGNA Voyager uses higher order gradwarp as part of both 3D Gradwarp and 2D
Gradwarp algorithms.
SmartPrep™ SmartPrep uses a special tracking pulse sequence to monitor the MR SIGNAl through a user-
prescribed volume to detect the arrival of an strong SIGNAl change and to trigger the acquisition.
Double/Triple IR These pulse sequences are included to allow black-blood imaging for studies of cardiac morphology.
Triple IR adds fat suppression to black-blood imaging.
FastCINE This pulse sequence is included specifically for studies of cardiac function. Through the use of
retrospective gating, it allows full R-R coverage.
iDrive Pro iDrive Pro brings real-time interactive imaging to the MR system, making it easier to generate
detailed diagnostic information on just about any anatomy. This includes organs that are subject to
motion artifacts, such as spine, heart, diaphragm and GI tract. The iDrive Pro technique allows the
user to change scan parameters on the fly, during scanning, to evaluate the results immediately.

22
Reformat An online tool that allows the operator to convert image data sets from the acquired plane
into orthogonal or oblique views. The reformat tool is easy to use and particularly useful for the
interrogation of 3D datasets with complex anatomy. Reformatted images can be saved into the
database for further review or filming.
Readyview Readyview Performance enables advanced MR-image post-processing using a wide range of
Performance sophisticated algorithms, including:
ADC maps and eADC maps
Correlation Coefficients for mapping of motor strip and visual/auditory stimuli
NEI (Negative Enhancement Integral)
Positive Enhancement Integral
Signal Enhancement Ratio

Auto TR Auto TR dropdown menu replaces the TR dropdown menu located on the Graphic Rx desktop.
Displays lowest TR value of each series.
EPI and DW-EPI Standard on all systems are gradient echo, spin echo, flair, and diffusion-weighted echo planar
imaging. The standard EPI sequence supports single and multi-shot imaging, multi-phase imaging,
as well as cardiac gating. Diffusion EPI produces images that can detect acute and hyper-acute
stroke with b-value up to 10,000 s/mm2, multi-NEX compatibility and the ability to generate ADC
and T2-weighted TRACE images. The FLAIR option suppresses the CSF signal component to ease
interpretation.
LAVA – Liver Acquisition LAVA is a three-dimensional (3D) spoiled gradient echo technique designed specifically to image
with Volume Acceleration the liver with unprecedented definition, coverage, and speed. Excellent fat suppression, through a
version of the SPECIAL technique customized for the liver, is one of the reasons for the high definition
of anatomical structures. The coverage and speed of LAVA are the result of short TR, innovative use
of partial k-space acquisition, and advanced parallel imaging. What is the clinical benefit of LAVA? It
enables the high-quality 3D MR imaging of the liver during short breath-holding periods.
BRAVO Brain Volume imaging is a high-resolution 3D imaging technique designed to produce heavily T1-
weighted isotropic images of the brain. BRAVO uses ARC to reduce scan time and minimize parallel
imaging artifacts.
2D and 3D MERGE Multiple Echo Recombined Gradient Echo (MERGE) uses multiple echoes to generate high-resolution
images of the C-spine with excellent gray-white matter differentiation. By combining early echoes
with high SNR and late echoes with imrproved T2* contrast, the result is improved cord constrast
within the spinal column.
Turbo LAVA LAVA Turbo provides a reduction of breath-hold timing for both LAVA and LAVA FLEX acquisitions by
up to 47% compared to conventional LAVA / LAVA FLEX acquisitions.

23
Imaging Options and Parallel Imaging Support
Imaging options
Pulse sequence • 3 D Slice Zip x 2 (Z2)/ • Magnetization Transfer
imaging options • Zip x 4 (Z4) • MRCP
• ARC* • Multi-Phase/Dynaplan
• ART • Multi-Station
• ASSET • Navigator
• Blood Suppression • No Phase Wrap
• Cardiac • Real Time
Compensation • Respiratory Compensation
• Cardiac Gating/ • Respiratory Gating/Triggering
Triggering • Sequential
• Classic • SmartPrep*
• DE Prepared • Spectral Spatial RF
• EDR • Square Pixel
• Flow Compensation • T2 Prep
• Fluoro Trigger • Tailored RF
• Full Echo Train • Zip 512/Zip 1024
• IDEAL
• IR Preparation
Parallel Imaging • 2D DT-EPI • 3D BRAVO • Cine IR
Array Spatial Sensitivity Encoding Technique (ASSET) • 2D DW-EPI • 3D COSMIC • eDWI
imaging option is a 1D image-based parallel imaging • 2D FGRE • 3D Cube T1 • Fast 2D Phase
technique used to speed data acquisition. For temporally • 2D FIESTA • 3D Cube T2 Contrast
sensitive acquisitions, ASSET reduces image blurring • 2D FIESTA FastCARD • 3D Cube T2FLAIR • FGRE Timecourse
and motion, enables greater anatomical coverage, • 2D FIESTA FastCINE • 3D Cube DIR • IFIR
and reduces SAR. Parallel imaging acceleration factors • 2D FIESTA Fat Sat • 3D Cube PD • Inhance Inflow
ranging from 1-3.0 are supported depending on the coil • 3D Delta Flow • M R Echo Fast GRE
selected. • 2D FRFSE • 3D Dual Echo Timecourse
ASSET 3.0 • 2D FRFSE-XL IDEAL • 3D Fast TOF GRE • M R Echo FIESTA
Next generation reference scan algorithm which • 2D FSE IDEAL • 3D Fast TOF SPGR Timecourse
provides improved control over motion related artifacts • 2D FSE • 3D FGRE • MR Echo Function
and dephasing which can occur during the reference • 2D FSE Double IR • 3D FGRE IDEAL • MR Echo MDE
scan step. The new ASSET 3.0 reference algorithm • 2D FSE-IR • 3D FIESTA • MR Echo Realtime
leads to a reduction in artifacts caused by motion or • 2D FSE Triple IR • 3D FIESTA-C • PROPELLER 3.0
dephasing in clinical results. The improvement is also • 2D FSE-XL IDEAL • 3D FRFSE • SWAN 2.0
utilized in the PURE image uniformity correction. • 2D FSPGR • 3D FRFSE MRCP • PS-MDE
• 2D GRE-EPI • 3D FSPGR • BB SSFSE
ARC Parallel Imaging
• 2D MDE • 3D FSPGR IDEAL • 3D PROMO
Auto-Calibrating Reconstruction (ARC) parallel imaging
• 2D MFGRE • 3D Heart • DISCO
eliminates breath-hold mismatch errors by imbedding
• 2D SE-EPI • 3D LAVA
the calibration data within the scan data. In addition,
• 2D SSFSE • 3D LAVA FLEX
this innovative reconstruction permits small FOV
• 2D SSFSE 3-Plane • 3D MDE
imaging by minimizing focal parallel imaging artifacts
from the exam. Supporting both 1D and 2D acceleration, • 2D SSFSE-IR • 3D MERGE
net acceleration factors of up to 4 can be achieved. ARC • 2D SSFSE MRCP • 3D QuickSTEP
together with CUBE can be used in all anatomies. • 2D T1FLAIR • 3D SWAN
• 2D T2MAP • 3D TOF GRE
With the SIGNA Voyager, the following applications are • 3D TOF SPGR
parallel imaging enabled: • 3D TRICKS
• 3D Velocity Inflow
• 3D VIBRANT
• 3D VIBRANT FLEX

24
Neuro Applications
MAGiC 3D ASL (Arterial Spin Labeling)
MAGiC (MAGnetic resonance image Compilation), enables one 3D ASL utilizes water in arterial blood as an endogenous contrast
and done imaging capability by delivering multiple contrasts in media to help visualize tissue perfusion and provide quantitative
a single scan. MAGiC utilizes a multi-delay, multi-echo assessment of Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF) in ml/100 g/min. The
acquisition. The data acquired is processed using a technique to quantitative CBF maps can be generated and stored in DICOM
generate T1, T2, PD and Inversion Recovery (IR) weighted format.
images (including: T1-FLAIR, T2-FLAIR, STIR, Dual IR and PSIR 3D ASL deploys stacked spiral FSE readout with modulated flip
weighted images), all at once, reducing scan time by up to 50% angle to acquire 3D volumetric data with increased SNR and
compared to acquiring all contrasts separately.* minimal image distortion. The 3D data can be reformatted to
MAGiC generates all the different contrasts from the same axial, sagittal, coronal or oblique planes. A pulsed-continuous
acquisition, leading to enhanced image slice registration, owing labeling is applied to label arterial blood close to the imaging
to the absence of inter-acquisition patient movement. Because volume thus improving conspicuity of flowing blood. Selective,
of the efficiency of MAGiC, the user has the flexibility to explore interwoven pulses are then used to saturate and invert the
more advanced imaging, such as Spectroscopy**, Susceptibility imaging volume, in order to achieve better background
Weighted Imaging** etc., in the same time required to perform suppression, and reduce sensitivity to motion.
the routine exam without MAGiC.
3D ASL helps generate robust, reproducible images and perfusion
MAGiC provides the user the ability to change the contrast of maps with high SNR, reduced motion artifacts and less distortion
the images after acquisition. This is performed by adjusting the in high magnetic susceptibility regions.
TR, TE, and/or TI parameters post-acquisition, to generate the
specific contrast desired. 3D Cube*
3D Cube replaces several slice-by-slice, plane-after-plane 2D
MAGiC also enables users to generate parametric T1, T2, R1, FSE acquisitions with a single 3D volume scan – providing you
R2, PD maps for further analysis of MRI scan data. with T1, T2, T2 FLAIR, PD, and Dual inversion sequences. You
The Silent Neuro Exam Package can easily reformat sub-millimeter isotropic volume data from
The Silent Neuro Exam Package includes a completed set of a single acquisition into any plane – without gaps, and with the
sequences designed to generate high-resolution images which same resolution as the original plane. Our self-calibrating parallel
delivers T1, T2, Flair, PD and Diffusion weighted contrasts. The imaging engine ARC helps eliminate artifacts while accelerating
new Silenz 2.0 imaging sequence delivers 3D isotropic and non- image acquisition.
isotropic images with T1 and/or PD contrast with sound levels 3D PROMO
that are within 3dB(A) of the ambient conditions. Newly enhanced 3D PROMO provides a real time 3D navigator based motion
gradient waveforms have been employed to minimize the correction algorithm correcting for the 6 rigid body terms where
acoustic SIGNAture of FSE, 3D Cube and Propeller based re-acquisition of severely corrupted data provides robust high
acquisitions to generate T2 and T2 Flair weighted as well as quality motion reduced 3D outcomes. 3D PROMO is compatible
Diffusion weighted images. In addition, the localizer and pre-scan with T2, and T2 FLAIR CUBE acquisitions.
sequences have been optimized as well to deliver a complete
neuro exam at near fully silent levels. 3D BRAVO
BRAVO incorporates 1D ARC parallel imaging with 3D IR-prepared
Silent Suite
FSPGR acquisition to produce isotropic T1-weighted volumes. The
The Silent Suite includes a set of protocols including PROPELLER
center of k-space is over sampled and serves as the calibration
based acquisitions that provide high-resolution images with and
data for the parallel imaging reconstruction.
without fat suppression based on optimized gradient waveforms
to minimize the acoustic signature. This allows a full exam to 3D COSMIC
be conducted with less than 11 dB(A) from the ambient room This is a 3D sequence used to image the axial c-spine. COSMIC
conditions. Additionally, acoustically reduced acquisitions can be (Coherent Oscillatory State Acquisition for the Manipulation of
run including multi-slice 2D FSE and 3D Cube acquisitions. Imaging Contrast) uses a modified fast GRE pulse sequence
with steady-state free precession segmented multi-shot centric
PROPELLER 3.0
k-space acquisition. This improves the CNR and SNR of c-spine
PROPELLER 3.0 uses innovative k space filling technique and post
tissue including the spinal cord, vertebral disks, nerve root canal
processing algorithms to help reduce and correct for motion and
and contrast between CSF and nerve roots.
minimize magnetic susceptibility artifacts. Radial k space filling
pattern causes oversampling of the k space center, generating
more SNR and providing excellent tissue contrast. Radial k space
filling is inherently less sensitive to motion compared to the
Cartesian method. In addition, a sophisticated motion correction
post-processing algorithm is deployed to reduce effects of motion
originating from CSF flow, breathing, patient tremor or voluntary
movements. PROPELLER 3.0 has been enabled for high quality
T1 FLAIR, T2, T2 FLAIR imaging in all planes, high quality axial
diffusion weighted imaging for brain, high quality T2 weighted
imaging for c-spine, excellent T2 weighted imaging for Body, and
excellent T2/PD weighted imaging for MSK.

*Based on MAGiC clinical study of 109 patients from 6 separate institutions.

**Optional package (MAGiC in itself does not deliver advanced imaging)
25
2D and 3D MERGE Diffusion Tensor Imaging with Fiber Tracking
Multiple Echo Recombined Gradient Echo (MERGE) uses multiple This package expands EPI capability to include diffusion tensor
echoes to generate high-resolution images of the C-spine with imaging, a technique that acquires diffusion information in up
excellent gray-white matter differentiation. By combining early to 150 different diffusion directions. It generates image contrast
echoes with high SNR and late echoes with improved contrast, based on the degree of diffusion anisotropy in cerebral tissues
the result is improved cord contrast within the spinal column. such as white matter. Readyview capabilities on the console
(included with ScanTools) create Fractional Anisotropy (FA),
Enhanced SWAN 2.0 Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) and T2-Weighted ACE maps.
SWAN 2.0 is a high-resolution 3D multi-echo gradient echo
sequence that produces weighted averaging across images with The FiberTrak post-processing utility generates eigenvector
different TE’s to achieve higher susceptibility weighting. It provides information from the diffusion tensor acquisition and processing.
minimum intensity projections over neighboring slices, enhancing Using a robust and efficient seeding process, three-dimensional
contrast for certain tissues containing iron, venous blood, and renderings of the diffusion along white matter tracts are
other substances with susceptibilities that are different than the generated.
background tissues. SWAN 2.0 outputs an unwrapped phase BrainSTAT
image leading to increased delineation between diamagnetic
BrainSTAT is a standard post processing application that
products and paramagnetic products (such as blood or iron).
automatically generates parametric maps for neuro Blood
Due to the nature of the weighted averaging of the multi-echo
Flow, Blood Volume, Mean Transit Time, and Time to Peak
sequence, the SNR of SWAN is higher than that of a single-echo
signal intensity. A Gamma Variate fitting algorithm is deployed
acquisition. SWAN 2.0 helps visualize and delineate small vessels,
to automatically estimate the values for the four parametric
as well as large vascular structures and iron or calcium deposits
maps.
in the brain. Also provided with this feature is a user selectable
option to view phase images in Haacke’s convention (Normal) or An optional add-on to the Brain STAT package enables the user to
Inverted. This makes SWAN phase images more flexible and users automatically or manually specify the Arterial-Input Function (AIF)
can select the contrast based on their preference. Enhanced based on the temporal form of the signal, to normalized Blood
Swan 2.0 also supports the function of auto removal of the Flow, Blood Volume, Mean Transit Time, and Time to Peak signal
background noise in phase images. intensity maps based on the patients’ vascular flow dynamics

3D FIESTA eDWI
3D FIESTA (Fast Imaging Employing Steady-state Acquisition) The eDWI application includes the acquisition sequence and post-
is a technique that uses an extremely short repetition time (TR) processing tools. It is designed to provide high signal-to-noise
between RF pulses such that high-resolution 3D volume images ratio diffusion images of the brain and liver with short acquisition
can be acquired rapidly. The 3D FIESTA technique is especially time. Its multi-B feature is designed to provide measurement of
useful for the rapid acquisition of high-spatial-resolution images apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map with reduced effect of
of static structures such as cochlea, internal auditory canal, or perfusion. In addition, The “3 in 1” combining technique applies
joints. diffusion weighting to all three gradients simultaneously, helping
improve sensitivity. Built in tetrahedral feature applies four
3D FIESTA-C different diffusion weighing combinations of x, y, and z gradients
This phase-cycled FIESTA reduces sensitivity to susceptibilities simultaneously to acquire isotropic diffusion weighted images
that may be encountered when imaging in the posterior fossa. It with high signal-to-noise ratio and shorter TE. Its smart NEX
provides exquisite contrast that is ideally equated for visualization feature helps to reduce acquisition time. Inversion recovery has
of the internal auditory canal. It is also ideally suited for T1 been deployed to provide robust fat suppression.
imaging through the cervical spine.
IDEAL
This sequence and reconstruction package acquires multiple
echoes at different echo times with a fast-spin echo readout to
create water-only, fat-only, as well as in-phase and out-of-phase
images. IDEAL is designed for imaging those difficult regions such
as the neck and spine where inhomogeneous magnetic fields
yield failures with traditional fat saturation techniques.

26
Spectroscopy Applications
PROBE - PRESS single-voxel spectroscopy
PROBE - PRESS single-voxel spectroscopy allows you to
noninvasively evaluate the relative concentrations of in-vivo
metabolites and lets you acquire and display volume-localized,
water-suppressed H1 spectra in single-voxel mode. The package
includes automated recon, acquisition set-up and graphic
prescription of spectroscopic volumes.
The standard sequence consists of three slice-selective RF
pulses with crusher gradients. The PRESS sequence makes
use of reduced flip angles to decrease minimum TE time of the
sequence. The key advantage of PRESS (over STEAM) is that it
provides up to twice the SNR and decreased exam time or voxel
size. It is the sequence of choice for all hydrogen single-voxel
spectroscopy data acquisitions with TE values ≥ 35 ms.
PROBE - STEAM single-voxel spectroscopy
STimulated Echo Acquisition Mode acquires a stimulated echo
from the localized volume. The basic sequence consists of three
slice-selective 90-degree RF pulses and a set of crusher gradients.
Although STEAM provides more accurate voxel localization, it has
inherently lower SNR compared to PRESS. Moreover, since echo
times available with STEAM can be shorter, it is better suited than
PRESS for chemical species that have shorter T2.
PROBE - 2D CSI
This extends the PROBE-PRESS capabilities with simultaneous
multi-voxel in-plane acquisitions. Post-processing, including the
generation of metabolite maps, is automatically generated with
Readyview.
PROBE - 3D CSI
This extends the PROBE-2D CSI capabilities to add 3D multi-voxel
acquisitions. (PROBE 2D CSI is mandatory).
BREASE
This is a TE-averaged PRESS spectroscopy acquisition that
provides the necessary biochemical information to help
characterize breast tissue.
PROSE
PROSE (PROstate Spectroscopy and imaging Examination), is a
noninvasive imaging technique to evaluate prostate lesions.

27
Breast Applications
VIBRANT
VIBRANT is a technique for simultaneous, high-definition fat-
suppressed bilateral breast imaging in both the axial and sagittal
scan planes. With VIBRANT, imaging is performed without in-
plane data interpolation for enhanced data integrity. VIBRANT
allows acceleration in both the phase encoding as well as the
slice-select direction. The result is high spatial and temporal
resolution images that demonstrate exquisite contrast and high
lesion conspicuity.
VIBRANT Flex
VIBRANT-Flex uses a time-efficient dual-echo acquisition with 2
ARC parallel imaging to produce water-only, fat-only, in-phase,
and out-of-phase images of the breast in a single scan. This
processing enables excellent fat saturation to provide a clear
depiction of the underlying breast anatomy.
IDEAL
With FSE-IDEAL, water, fat, in phase, and out-of-phase images
can be generated even in the presence of large static-field
variations. This sequence and reconstruction package acquires
multiple echoes at different echo times with a fast-spin echo
readout to create water-only, fat-only, as well as in-phase and
out-of-phase images. IDEAL is designed for imaging those difficult
regions such as the neck and spine where inhomogeneous
magnetic fields yield failures with traditional fat saturation
techniques. This sequence produces consistent and reliable
images in challenging anatomical areas.
BREASE
BREASE is a TE-averaged PRESS spectroscopy acquisition
that provides the necessary biochemical information to help
characterize breast anatomy.

28
Cardiovascular Applications
iDrive Pro Plus 3D FatSat FIESTA
iDRIVE Pro Plus expands the capabilities of standard iDrive Pro 3D FatSat FIESTA is software designed for imaging of the coronary
with: arteries. The software acquires 3D images using FIESTA (Fast
Imaging Employing STeady-state Acquisition). Fat suppression
• G
 eometric changes to image plane location, obliquity, rotation,
is applied to accentuate the coronary arteries. The use of
center FOV and FOV size
VAST (Variable Sampling in Time) technology greatly shortens
• C
 ontrast parameters such as spatial pre-saturation on/off, breathholding requirements or allows for higher spatial resolution.
special sat pulses, flow comp and RF spoiling
2D IR Prepared Gated
• Application of a non-selective IR pulse FGRE Vital to MRI myocardial assessments, this technique can
• Swapping phase and frequency help distinguish between viable and necrotic tissue and therefore
have a major impact on patient management. This pulse
It starts with an intuitive point-and-click user interface and live,
sequence uses an IR-prepared, cardiac-gated fast gradient echo
on-image navigation icons. It continues with click-of-the-mouse
sequence to acquire images whose appearance depends on the
image book-marking and a suite of localization and drawing
tissue’s T1 relaxation time. The IR-preparation step allows various
tools, and includes capabilities from 10-level undo/redo, built-in
tissues to be suppressed or enhanced. The IR prep pulse in this
time, autoNEX and click-of-the-mouse display/review/save, all to
sequence is non-selective; i.e., it excites the entire volume inside
streamline even the most complex exams and manipulations.
the body coil, rather than a specific slice. That means that it can
MR Echo suppress both the myocardium and the blood flowing into the
MR Echo expands on the capability provided by iDrive Pro Plus slice.
and is designed to significantly simplify and reduce cardiac exam
times. Presently, patients have to undergo multiple breath-holds
3D IR Prepared Gated FGRE
3D IR Prepared Gated FGRE is an advanced tool for myocardial
to achieve the “whole-heart coverage” for wall motion and
assessment. It acquires extensive volumes of data, rather than
other studies. MR Echo employs a bright-blood ultra-fast FIESTA
merely single slices, during breath-holds, with acquisitions
sequence, which virtually eliminates the need for breath-holding.
gated to the cardiac cycle. The software applies a non-selective
An intuitive interface enables the operator to quickly scan the
inversion-recovery magnetization preparation step to create
heart in any orientation and to save real time images to the
T1-weighted tissue contrast and suppress the signal from certain
browser through bookmarks Scan & Save mode enables
tissues.
high-resolution heart imaging and enables multiple functional
images over many slices to be prescribed and scanned in a single Navigators
breath-hold. MR Echo auto-calculates total scan time for the This software package is designed for use in conjunction with
number of prescribed slices enabling each scan to be tailored to 3D IR Prepared FGRE or 3D FatSat FIESTA for cardiac imaging.
the patient’s breath-hold capability. It consists of navigators that make it possible to track the
MR Echo also incorporates time course and myocardial diaphragm and use the information to acquire crisp 3D gradient
evaluation imaging within a dedicated cardiac interface. The echo images of the heart even while the patient breathes.
operator is able to switch rapidly between pulse sequences, Cardiac tagging
which reduce the scan time required for a comprehensive cardiac Used to improve visualization of contractile function, this tagging
MRI exam. Time-course imaging includes both a high contrast- application combines cardiac-gated FastCINE gradient-recalled
to-noise ratio FGRE pulse sequence and a FIESTA pulse sequence. echo to acquire data throughout the cardiac cycle, with spatial
The “Lock Coverage” feature within MR Echo time-course imaging SAT pulses applied throughout the FOV. Using the operator’s
automatically maintains start and end slice coverage despite choice of diagonal stripes or a grid pattern, tagging is applied
changes in the patient’s heart rate between rest and stress once per R-R interval immediately following the R-wave ECG
time-course imaging. Myocardial evaluation imaging is also trigger, just before the start of data acquisition.
performed within the MR Echo cardiac interface to complete a full
assessment of the heart. All the pulse sequences in MR Echo are Fast Gradient Echo using EPI Echo Train
compatible with the AutoVoice feature in multiple languages to This technique combines a short-TR FGRE (Fast GRadient Echo)
aid the operator workflow. pulse sequence with an EPI echo train to acquire multiple views,
or phase-encoding steps, per TR. It features uniform RF excitation,
2D FIESTA Cine centric phase encoding, segmented k-space filling, retrospective
Fast Imaging Employing STeady state Acquisition is a fully gating in FastCARD-ET, EPI-caliber interleaving, and EPI-like
balanced steady-state coherent imaging pulse sequence that acquisition of multiple views in one TR. Multi-phase FGRET is
has been designed to produce high SNR images at very short TR. useful for applications such as multi-slice, multi-phase imaging of
The pulse sequence uses fully balanced gradients to re-phase myocardial function.
the transverse magnetization at the end of each TR interval.
This sequence accentuates the contrast of anatomy with high Black Blood Single Shot Fast Spin Echo
T2/T1 ratios (such as the cardiac blood pool), while suppressing Black Blood SSFSE is available for either dual or triple inversion pre-
the signal from tissues with low T2/ T1 ratios (such as muscle pulse single shot FSE based acquisition utilized for morphological
and myocardium). This enhances the contrast between the imaging of the heart and vessels. The use of inversion pre-pulses
myocardium and the blood pool. allows for nulling of the blood pool for improved visualization of
vessels and heart structures. Utilization of single shot acquisitions
allows for single breath hold multi-slice coverage which leads to
larger volume coverage in fewer breath holds for patient tolerance
as well as reduction of overall exam times.

29
StarMap Cardiac VX makes it possible to quickly and accurately complete
StarMap is a technique that acquires multiple echoes at different clinical reports on cardiac MR exams including reports tailored
TE times at each location resulting in images that represent specifically to pediatrics and CSF flow. It automatically compares
variations of T2* weighting. Post-processing of the images is newly acquired measurements against a set of predetermined
employed to generate gray scale and color maps of the T2* signal normal values and flags those that are outside this normal range.
decay across the echoes, which can be useful in the assessment Pre-written, user-programmable macros interface to these
of the presence of iron. measurements to generate a complete report in just minutes.

Cine IR (Cine Inversion Recovery) Flow Analysis

Cine IR is a conventional ECG-gated, gradient-recalled echo A subset of the Cardiac VX software, clinicians interested only
FASTCARD or FASTCINE acquisition sequence with an Inversion in quantifying CSF or blood flow can access all of the Cardiac
Recovery (IR) preparation. A single adiabatic inversion pulse is VX’s flow features including: peak and average flow charts and
generated upon detection of the cardiac R-wave to trigger the graphs, automated contour detection and PACs compatibility.
multi-phase readout. Each image (i.e., cardiac phase) is at a Flow Analysis is available as an Advantage Workstation
progressively longer TI time. Cine IR can be used to approximate application or an MR operator console application.
the myocardial null point for a subsequent delayed enhancement
(MDE) study for myocardial viability. Respiratory Triggering
For patients who cannot hold their breath, respiratory triggering
PS-MDE provides the answer. By synchronizing the acquisition to the
Phase Sensitive Inversion Recovery reduces the sensitivity of respiratory cycle, high-resolution images are obtained while
inversion delay times in the suppression of myocardial signal for mitigating breathing artifacts.
MDE results by utilization of a phase-sensitive reconstruction of
the resultant image. The use of the phase image provides a more TRICKS
robust outcome and image appearance. Time Resolved Imaging of Contrast KineticS (TRICKS)
technology uses intricate temporal sampling with complex
MDE Plus data recombination to accelerate the temporal resolution of 3D
Provides a Single Shot Fiesta based MDE acquisitions used to dynamic imaging – without compromising spatial resolution. This
suppress myocardial signal with the single shot fiesta based technology is integrated with elliptical-centric data sampling
method a reduction of breath hold times allowing multi-slice to create the ideal imaging technique for MRA in even the most
coverage in minimal number of breath holds. Additionally, the challenging circumstances.
new method provides an optimized fat suppression pulse to
ensure uniform suppression of fat for better contrast visualization Easy to set up, TRICKS rapidly generates time resolved 3D images
of blood vessels to meet the challenge of capturing peak arterial
FGRE Time Course phases with minimal venous contamination. With TRICKS, the
The FGRE TC PSD is a Fast Gradient-echo time-course imaging different vascular phases can be extracted, quickly and easily,
sequence that utilizes single-echo acquisition to help reduce after image acquisition.
sensitivity to echo misalignment or system calibrations variations,
which can result in robust image quality with less ghosting and Fluoro-Triggered MRA
artifact reduction. ASSET parallel imaging and shortened RF pulse Fluoro-triggered MRA (FTMRA) is designed to capture
design are incorporated to help improve temporal resolution and angiographic images at the precise moment of peak
reduce motion related artifacts. In addition to selective notch opacification. Rather than automating the image-acquisition
pulse, it also supports non-selective saturation pulse for excellent upon detection of the bolus arrival, FTMRA allows the operator
background suppression and multi-plane imaging capability. to trigger each acquisition almost instantly (less than 1 second
switch over), as soon as the operator is satisfied with the level
Cardiac VX of vessel enhancement. The result is an interactive, ASSET
GE’s Advantage Workstation Cardiac VX cardiac reporting compatible, accurate approach to MRA.
software provides a fast and easy way to simultaneously
review and analyze cardiac MR images as well as to generate Quickstep
comprehensive reports for referring physicians. Its functionality QuickSTEP is an automated multi-station acquisition. This
includes the ability to: application automatically prescribes, acquires, and combines
images from multiple stations for fast acquisition and exam
• C
 ompletely evaluate for patent foramen ovale by analyzing completion. To complete the entire exam in as little as 7 minutes,
images acquired with a non-invasive, IR-prepared fast gradient the system will automatically acquire mask datasets from
echo-train sequence multiple stations without any user intervention. Secondary
• A
 nalyze and quantify flow measurements using cine phase images are then acquired at the same independent table
contrast images of blood flow or CSF flow positions. The system will automatically subtract the mask images
from the secondary dataset and combine the resulting images
• Conduct quantitative time course imaging analysis
from the multiple stations into one series. The user only needs to
• Perform myocardial scarring analysis complete a quick review of the data prior to insertion of images
• T he added structured reprint and research database reduces into the database.
the amount of time a clinician spends reporting on a cardiac
MRI case

30
Inhance Application Suite
The Inhance application suite consists of several sequences Inhance 2D Inflow
designed to provide high-resolution images of the vasculature The Inhance 2D Inflow pulse sequence is designed to acquire
with short-acquisition times and excellent vessel detail. These angiographic images of arteries that follow almost a straight
sequences include: path (i.e. femoral, popliteal, and carotid arteries). Arterial blood
flow is faster during the systolic phase and slows down during
Inhance 3D Velocity
the diastolic phase. Therefore, Inhance 2D Inflow is designed to
Inhance 3D Velocity is designed to acquire angiographic images
acquire data during the systolic phase:
in brain and renal arteries with excellent background suppression
in a short scan time. By combining a volumetric 3D phase • O
 ptimized spatial saturation gap to improve fat suppression
contrast acquisition with parallel imaging, efficient k-space and background suppression. With this saturation gap
sampling, and pulse sequence optimization, Inhance 3D Velocity optimization, higher views per segment (vps up to 48 for slow
is faster than previous generations and is capable of obtaining heart-rate) can be used, resulting in significant scan time
the whole neurovascular anatomy in approximately 5-6 minutes. reduction
Furthermore, background suppression is improved by the • Peripheral Gating that minimizes the pulsatile artifacts
optimized pulse sequence design, resulting in better visualization • Optimized view ordering to improve arterial signal
of small branches. Respiratory triggering is also compatible
with Inhance 3D Velocity to enable abdominal angiography, • ASSET acceleration compatibility to reduce scan time
specifically renal arteries. This can result in excellent productivity
and image quality.
Inhance 3D Deltaflow
Inhance 3D DeltaFlow is a 3D non-contrast-enhanced MRA
application for peripheral arterial imaging. Inhance 3D DeltaFlow
is based on the 3D Fast Spin Echo technique and it utilizes the
systolic and diastolic flow differences to help generate arterial
signal contrast. A subtraction of the systolic phase from the
diastolic phase images results in an arterial only image, with good
venous and background suppression. Interleaved acquisition and
parallel imaging (ASSET) with optimized k-space trajectory helps
reduce motion misregistration and improve vessel visualization
respectively. In addition, with the use of partial-Fourier and
coronal plane acquisition, the scan time is considerably reduced.
Inhance 3D DeltaFlow is a robust 3D NCE MRA technique that
provides excellent, high SNR visualization of peripheral arteries.
Inhance Inflow IR
Inhance Inflow IR is an angiographic method, which has been
developed to image renal arteries with ability to suppress static
background tissue and venous flow. This sequence is based on 3D
FIESTA, which improves SNR while producing bright blood images.
A selective inversion pulse is applied over the region of interest,
which inverts arterial, venous, and static tissue. At the null point
of the venous blood, an excitation pulse is applied to generate
signal. The net result is an angiographic image with excellent
background suppression and virtually no venous contamination.
Uniform fat suppression is achieved using a spectrally selective
chemical saturation (SPECIAL) technique while respiratory gating
compatibility reduces respiratory motion artifacts during free-
breathing renal exams.

31
Body Applications
Spiral Imaging Auto Navigator
Developed to acquire high-resolution images in far less than Auto Navigator feature is designed to deliver real time robust free
one second, Spiral Imaging is ideally suited for imaging moving breathing respiratory motion compensation to improve routine
structures such as the coronary arteries. Instead of collecting and advanced body applications. It includes automated tracker
data in the conventional rectilinear grid pattern, it simultaneously placement to detect respiratory motion and delivers a simple
applies the x and y gradients in conjunction with a 2D GRE or workflow to the technologist. Further, the Auto Navigator feature
SPGR pulse sequence, and then interpolates the data onto a is compatible with DISCO, Turbo LAVA, Turbo LAVA Flex to deliver
rectilinear grid for image generation. Non-gated sequences can free-breathing body imaging capability for maximum patient
be used with one or more slice locations; gated acquisitions comfort.
can be conducted in sequential or non-sequential mode. The
advantages of Spiral Imaging include fast acquisition from the LAVA
LAVA is a three-dimensional (3D) spoiled gradient echo technique
more efficient k-space data collection, high SNR from over-
designed specifically to image the liver with excellent definition,
sampling of the center of k-space, and intrinsic flow- and motion-
coverage, and speed. Excellent fat suppression, through a
compensation from the short echo times.”
spectrally selective inversion pulse customized for the liver, is one
DISCO of the reasons for the high definition of anatomical structures. The
DISCO (Differential Sub-sampling with Cartesian Ordering) coverage and speed of LAVA are the result of short TR, innovative
provides the capability to image the entire liver in less than 3 use of partial k-space acquisition, and advanced parallel imaging
second intervals. It utilizes Time Resolved Imaging of Contrast
KineticS (TRICKS) technology with intricate temporal sampling LAVA Flex
LAVA Flex is a 3D FSPGR imaging technique that acquires fat/
with complex data recombination to accelerate the temporal
water in phase and out of phase echoes in a single acquisition. Up
resolution of 3D dynamic imaging - without compromising spatial
to 4 types of images may be reconstructed within one acquisition:
resolution. This technology is now integrated with elliptical-
in phase, out of phase, water only, fat only. The water only
centric data sampling to create the ideal imaging technique with
contrast differs from a conventional fat suppressed image in that
robust LAVA FLEX based fat suppression in the most challenging
an inversion prep pulse is not applied for fat suppression. In fact,
circumstances. Easy to set up and easy to use, DISCO rapidly
the fat information is removed leaving a water only image that
generates time resolved 3D images to meet the challenge of
may potentially be used in place of a LAVA type image. LAVA Flex
capturing multiple dynamic phases over time. DISCO can also be
uses ARC (Autocalibrating Reconstruction for Cartesian sampling),
utilized to image the prostate and breast.
a 2D self-calibrated parallel imaging technique that allows for
IDEAL IQ acceleration in both phase and slice directions for supported
IDEAL IQ is a GE exclusive technique that builds upon the coils.
original IDEAL (Iterative Decomposition of water and fat with
Echo Asymmetry and Least-squares estimation) technique that Turbo LAVA
LAVA Turbo provides a reduction of breath-hold timing for both
acquires multiple images of the anatomy at separate echo times
LAVA and LAVA FLEX acquisitions by up to 47% compared to
to calculate the phase differences and determine triglyceride fat
conventional LAVA / LAVA FLEX acquisitions.
and water content per pixel. It exploits the resonance frequency
differences between triglyceride fat and water, measured as Real Time Field Adjustment
phase differences in multiple echoe, to resolve triglyceride fat and The RTFA algorithm leads to a reduction in distortion of the
water. It provides reliable and uniform water-fat separation in the diffusion image per diffusion axis. RTFA is designed to reduce
presence of B0 field inhomogeneity and improves the accuracy of image blurring and distortions typically associated with diffusion
water-fat separation by estimating and correcting for T2* decay imaging throughout the body. RTFA also allows for increased
between echoes and by more accurately modeling triglyceride utilization of single spin echo DWI which results in an increase
fat’s spectral profile as multiple peaks rather than a single peak. in SNR by up to 50% compared to dual spin echo and, when
The result is a triglyceride fat-fraction map image that reflects combined with the improved resolution leads to an increase in
the spatial distribution of relative concentration of triglyceride fat image quality that can be utilized for image presentation, fusion
within a voxel. and ADC map outputs.
eDWI
The eDWI application includes the acquisition sequence and post-
processing tools. It is designed to provide high signal-to-noise
ratio diffusion images of the brain and liver with short acquisition
time. Its multi-B feature is designed to provide measurement of
apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map with reduced effect of
perfusion. In addition, the “3 in 1” combining technique applies
diffusion weighting to all three gradients simultaneously, helping
improve sensitivity. Built in tetrahedral feature applies four
different diffusion weighing combinations of x, y, and z gradients
simultaneously to acquire isotropic diffusion weighted images
with high signal-to-noise ratio and shorter TE. Its smart NEX
feature helps to reduce acquisition time. Inversion recovery has
been deployed to provide robust fat suppression.

32
2D Fiesta Cine 2D Fat Sat Fiesta
Fast Imaging Employing STeady state Acquisition is a fully Fast Imaging Employing STeady-state Acquisition (FIESTA) is
balanced steady-state coherent imaging pulse sequence that designed to produce high SNR images extremely rapidly and
has been designed to produce high SNR images at very short TR. with excellent contrast between tissues. The contrast relies on a
The pulse sequence uses fully balanced gradients to re-phase steady state for the transverse magnetization, which builds as
the transverse magnetization at the end of each TR interval. a series of radio frequency pulses and special gradient pulses
This sequence accentuates the contrast of anatomy with high are repeated after an extremely short repetition time, TR. FIESTA
T2/T1 ratios (such as the cardiac blood pool), while suppressing accentuates the signal from tissues that have a long T2 and short
the signal from tissues with low T2/T1 ratios (such as muscle T1. FIESTA has the capability to suppress the signal from fat,
and myocardium). This enhances the contrast between the especially to create more contrast between the vasculature and
myocardium and the blood pool. surrounding tissues.
PROPELLER 3.0 FOCUS
PROPELLER 3.0 uses innovative k space filling technique and post FOCUS delivers a highly efficient method for increasing the
processing algorithms to help reduce and correct for motion and resolution in Single Shot DW EPI sequences. The outcome delivers
minimize magnetic susceptibility artifacts. Radial k space filling robust high resolution results while removing artifacts typically
pattern causes oversampling of the k space center, generating induced from motion, image backfolding or unsuppressed tissue.
more SNR and providing excellent tissue contrast. Radial k space In addition, the reduced field of view imaging leads to a reduction
filling is inherently less sensitive to motion compared to the in blurring that translates into an overall improvement to the
Cartesian method. In addition, a sophisticated motion correction image quality result. The sequence utilizes 2D selective excitation
post-processing algorithm is deployed to reduce effects of motion pulses in DW-EPI acquisitions to limit the prescribed phase
originating from CSF flow, breathing, patient tremor or voluntary encoded field of view at both 1.5T and 3.0T field strengths.
movements. PROPELLER 3.0 has been enabled for high quality
T1 FLAIR, T2, T2 FLAIR imaging in all planes, high quality axial 3D Cube*
3D Cube replaces several slice-by-slice, plane-after-plane 2D
diffusion weighted imaging for brain, high quality T2 weighted
FSE acquisitions with a single 3D volume scan – providing you
imaging for c-spine, excellent T2 weighted imaging for Body, and
with T1, T2, T2 FLAIR or PD sequences. You can easily reformat
excellent T2/PD weighted imaging for MSK.
submillimeter isotropic volume data from a single acquisition
3D Dual Echo into any plane – without gaps, and with the same resolution
With improvements in parallel imaging and RF coil arrays, as the original plane. Our new self-calibrating parallel imaging
volumetric imaging in the body is becoming a standard of care. engine ARC helps eliminate artifacts while accelerating image
The 3D Dual Echo sequence produces in-phase and out-of-phase acquisition.
images in a single breath-hold. As a result, the high-resolution
images are in perfect alignment, simplifying the diagnostic IDEAL
This sequence and reconstruction package acquires multiple
process. In addition, the improved SNR of the 3D acquisition
echoes at different echo times with a fast-spin echo readout to
permits thinner slice imaging.
create water-only, fat-only, as well as in-phase and out-of-phase
3D FRFSE images. IDEAL is designed for imaging those difficult regions such
Coupled with respiratory gating, this 3D FSE sequence as the neck and spine where inhomogeneous magnetic fields
uses a novel“recovery” pulse at the end of each echo train yield failures with traditional fat saturation techniques.
to recapture signal for the next repetition. These features
result in high-resolution three-dimensional images for MR MR Touch
cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) studies. MR Touch is a non-invasive method to measure relative tissue
stiffness with MR.
Single-Shot Fast-Spin Echo
An ultra-fast technique that permits complete image acquisition MR Touch is an acquisition and reconstruction technique
following a single RF excitation. It can acquire slices in less than that combines hardware, and acquisition and reconstruction
one second, making it an excellent complement to T2-weighted algorithms to produce Elastograms, color-coded anatomical
brain and abdominal imaging and MRCP studies, now with images showing varying degrees of elasticity or stiffness. The
increased resolution through improved rf pulse trains. image contrast is related to relative stiffness of soft tissue and
is generated from the real-time data acquisition during tissue
Respiratory triggering palpation with low amplitude and low frequency sound waves.
For patients who cannot hold their breath, respiratory triggering The hardware component is comprised of an active sound
provides the answer. By synchronizing the acquisition to the wave generator and a passive transducer that produces small
respiratory cycle, high-resolution images free of breathing vibrations in the area of the patient to be scanned. The MR Touch
artifacts are obtained. acquisition software is an evolutionary improvement to the echo
StarMap planar imaging sequence. The acquisition software also triggers
StarMap is a technique that acquires multiple echoes at different the sound wave generator to produce synchronized vibrations
TE times at each location resulting in images that represent on the surface of the patient during the data acquisition. The
variations of T2* weighting. Post-processing of the images is reconstruction algorithms generate images that show the
employed to generate gray scale and color maps of the T2* signal propagation of waves through the tissue (phase images) and
decay across the echoes, which can be useful in the assessment also the corresponding strain wave and relative stiffness images.
of the presence of iron. Parallel imaging is used to accelerate image acquisition.

33
Musculoskeletal Applications
PROPELLER 3.0 3D Fiesta
PROPELLER 3.0 uses innovative k space filling technique and post 3D FIESTA (Fast Imaging Employing Steady-state Acquisition)
processing algorithms to help reduce and correct for motion and is a technique that uses an extremely short repetition time (TR)
minimize magnetic susceptibility artifacts. Radial k space filling between RF pulses such that high-resolution 3D volume images
pattern causes oversampling of the k space center, generating can be acquired rapidly. The 3D FIESTA technique is especially
more SNR and providing excellent tissue contrast. Radial k space useful for the rapid acquisition of high-spatial-resolution images
filling is inherently less sensitive to motion compared to the of static structures such as cochlea, internal auditory canal, or
Cartesian method. In addition, a sophisticated motion correction joints.
post-processing algorithm is deployed to reduce effects of motion
originating from CSF flow, breathing, patient tremor or voluntary IDEAL
IDEAL is designed for imaging those difficult regions such as
movements. PROPELLER 3.0 has been enabled for high quality
the neck and spine where inhomogeneous magnetic fields yield
T1 FLAIR, T2, T2 FLAIR imaging in all planes, high quality axial
failures with traditional fat saturation techniques. Areas such
diffusion weighted imaging for brain, high quality T2 weighted
as the foot/ankle, shoulder, and off-isocenter wrist make fat
imaging for c-spine, excellent T2 weighted imaging for Body, and
saturation a challenge. Water, fat, inphase, and out-of-phase
excellent T2/PD weighted imaging for MSK.
images can be generated even in the presence of large static-
CartiGram field variations. This sequence produces consistent and reliable
CartiGram is a T2 mapping sequence and processing utility used images in challenging anatomical areas
to image cartilage and other tissues. This technique acquires
multiple echoes at different TE times at each location resulting MAVRIC SL
MAVRIC SL is a magnetic resonance imaging technique that
in datasets of images that represent different T2 weighting. Post
applies novel pulse sequencing with a reduction algorithm
processing of the images generates maps of the T2 SIGNAl decay
designed to image in the presence of MR compatible implants.
within each voxel.
MAVRIC SL helps significantly (more than 10-fold) reduce artifacts
3D MERGE caused by metal in both in-plane and through-plane dimensions.
This 3D technique offers excellent SNR and fat-saturation MAVRIC SL is used to help image complications following
capabilities to provide high resolution, isotropic T2* weighted arthroplasty procedures as well as any other unrelated diseases
images of the extremities (hand, wrist, knee, ankle, and shoulder). in the soft and bone tissue adjacent to metal instrumentation.
Multiple Echo Recombined Gradient Echo (MERGE) uses multiple
echoes to generate high-resolution images of the C-spine with 2D FSE ASPIR
Adiabatic spectral inversion pulse utilized with FSE based
excellent gray-white matter differentiation. By combining early
acquisitions to improve fat suppression homogeneity over large
echoes with high SNR and late echoes with improved contrast,
fields of view or off-center imaging acquisitions
the result is improved cord contrast within the spinal column.
3D Cube*
3D Cube replaces several slice-by-slice, plane-after-plane 2D FSE
acquisitions with a single 3D volume scan – providing you with
T1, T2, T2 FLAIR or PD sequences. You can easily reformat sub-
millimeter isotropic volume data from a single acquisition into any
plane – without gaps, and with the same resolution as the original
plane. Our new self-calibrating parallel imaging engine ARC helps
eliminate artifacts while accelerating image acquisition.

34
Pediatric Applications‡
Pediatric Neurology 3D ASL deploys stacked spiral FSE readout with modulated flip
PROPELLER 3.0 angle to acquire 3D volumetric data with increased SNR and
PROPELLER 3.0 uses innovative k space filling technique and post minimal image distortion. The 3D data can be reformatted to
processing algorithms to help reduce and correct for motion and axial, sagittal, coronal or oblique planes. A pulsed-continuous
minimize magnetic susceptibility artifacts. Radial k space filling labeling is applied to label arterial blood close to the imaging
pattern causes oversampling of the k space center, generating volume thus improving conspicuity of flowing blood. Selective
more SNR and providing excellent tissue contrast. Radial k space interwoven pulses are then used to saturate and invert the
filling is inherently less sensitive to motion compared to the imaging volume, in order to achieve better background
Cartesian method. In addition, a sophisticated motion correction suppression, and reduce sensitivity to motion.
post-processing algorithm is deployed to reduce effects of motion 3D ASL helps generate robust, reproducible images and perfusion
originating from CSF flow, breathing, patient tremor or voluntary maps with high SNR, reduced motion artifacts and less distortion
movements. PROPELLER 3.0 has been enabled for high quality in high magnetic susceptibility regions.
T1 FLAIR, T2, T2 FLAIR imaging in all planes, high quality axial
diffusion weighted imaging for brain, high quality T2 weighted Pediatric Vascular
imaging for c-spine, excellent T2 weighted imaging for Body, and TRICKS
excellent T2/PD weighted imaging for MSK. Time Resolved Imaging of Contrast KineticS (TRICKS)
technology uses intricate temporal sampling with complex
3D Cube* 2.0 data recombination to accelerate the temporal resolution of 3D
3D Cube replaces several slice-by-slice, plane-after-plane 2D FSE dynamic imaging – without compromising spatial resolution. This
acquisitions with a single 3D volume scan – providing you with T2, technology is now integrated with elliptical centric data sampling
T2 FLAIR, or PD sequences. You can easily reformat sub-millimeter to create the ideal imaging technique for contrast-enhanced MRA
isotropic volume data from a single acquisition into any plane – in even the most challenging circumstances.
without gaps, and with the same resolution as the original plane.
Our self-calibrating parallel imaging engine ARC helps eliminate Easy to set up, TRICKS rapidly generates time resolved 3D images
artifacts while accelerating image acquisition. of blood vessels to meet the challenge of capturing peak arterial
phases with minimal venous contamination. With TRICKS, the
Diffusion Tensor imaging with Fiber Tracking different vascular phases can be extracted, quickly and easily,
This package expands EPI capability to include diffusion tensor after image acquisition.
imaging, a technique that acquires diffusion information in up
to 150 different diffusion directions. It generates image contrast Inhance 3D Velocity
based on the degree of diffusion anisotropy in cerebral tissues Inhance 3D Velocity is designed to acquire angiographic images
such as white matter. Readyview capabilities on the console in brain and renal arteries with excellent background suppression
(included with ScanTools) create Fractional Anisotropy (FA), in a short scan time. By combining a volumetric 3D phase
Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) and contrast acquisition with parallel imaging, efficient k-space
sampling, and pulse sequence optimization, Inhance 3D Velocity
T2-Weighted TRACE maps. is faster than previous generations and is capable of obtaining
The FiberTrak post-processing utility generates eigenvector the whole neurovascular anatomy in approximately 5-6 minutes.
information from the diffusion tensor acquisition and processing. Furthermore, background suppression is improved by the
Using a robust and efficient seeding process, 3D renderings of the optimized pulse sequence design, resulting in better visualization
diffusion along white matter tracts are generated. of small branches. Respiratory triggering is also compatible
3D BRAVO with Inhance 3D Velocity to enable abdominal angiography,
specifically renal arteries. This can result in excellent productivity
BRAVO incorporates 1D ARC parallel imaging with 3D IR-prepared and image quality.
FSPGR acquisition to produce isotropic T1-weighted volumes. The
center of k-space is over sampled and serves as the calibration Inhance 3D Deltaflow
data for the parallel-imaging reconstruction. Inhance 3D DeltaFlow is a 3D non-contrast-enhanced MRA
application for peripheral arterial imaging. Inhance 3D DeltaFlow
3D ASL (Arterial Spin Labeling) is based on the 3D Fast Spin Echo technique and it utilizes the
3D ASL utilizes water in arterial blood as an endogenous contrast systolic and diastolic flow differences to help generate arterial
media to help visualize tissue perfusion and provide quantitative SIGNAl contrast. A subtraction of the systolic phase from the
assessment of Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF) in ml/100 g/min. The diastolic phase images results in an arterial only image, with good
quantitative CBF maps can be generated and stored in DICOM venous and background suppression. Interleaved acquisition and
format. parallel imaging (ASSET) with optimized k-space trajectory helps
reduce motion misregistration and improve vessel visualization
respectively. In addition, with the use of partial-Fourier and
coronal plane acquisition, the scan time is considerably reduced.
Inhance 3D DeltaFlow is a robust 3D NCE MRA technique that
provides excellent, high SNR visualization of peripheral arteries.

‡
MR Scanning has not been established as safe for imaging fetuses or infants. Carefully compare the benefits of MR versus alternative procedures before
scanning to control risk to the patient. A physician needs to decide to scan pregnant or infant patients.

35
Inhance Inflow IR MR Echo also incorporates time course and myocardial
Inhance Inflow IR is an angiographic method, which has been evaluation imaging within a dedicated cardiac interface. The
developed to image renal arteries with ability to suppress static operator is able to switch rapidly between pulse sequences,
background tissue and venous flow. This sequence is based on 3D which reduce the scan time required for a comprehensive cardiac
FIESTA, which improves SNR while producing bright blood images. MRI exam. Time-course imaging includes both a high contrast-
A selective inversion pulse is applied over the region of interest, to-noise ratio FGRE pulse sequence and a FIESTA pulse sequence.
which inverts arterial, venous, and static tissue. At the null point A new “Lock Coverage” feature within MR Echo time-course
of the venous blood, an excitation pulse is applied to generate imaging automatically maintains start and end slice coverage
SIGNAl. The net result is an angiographic image with excellent despite changes in the patient’s heart rate between rest and
back-ground suppression and virtually no venous contamination. stress time-course imaging. Myocardial evaluation imaging is also
Uniform fat suppression is achieved using a spectrally selective performed within the MR Echo cardiac interface to complete a full
chemical saturation (SPECIAL) technique while respiratory gating assessment of the heart. All the pulse sequences in MR Echo are
compatibility reduces respiratory motion artifacts during free- compatible with the AutoVoice feature in multiple languages to
breathing renal exams. aid the operator workflow.

Inhance 2D Inflow 3D IR Prepared Gated FGRE

The Inhance 2D Inflow pulse sequence is designed to acquire 3D IR Prepared Gated FGRE is an advanced tool for myocardial
angiographic images of arteries that follow almost a straight assessment. It acquires extensive volumes of data, rather than
path (i.e. femoral, popliteal, and carotid arteries). Arterial blood merely single slices, during breath-holds, with acquisitions
flow is faster during the systolic phase and slows down during gated to the cardiac cycle. The software applies a non-selective
the diastolic phase. Therefore, Inhance 2D Inflow is designed to inversion-recovery magnetization preparation step to create
acquire data during the systolic phase: T1-weighted tissue contrast and suppress the signal from certain
tissues.
• O
 ptimized spatial saturation gap to improve fat suppression
and background suppression. With this saturation gap Pediatric Body
optimization, higher views per segment (vps up to 48 for slow LAVA Flex
heart-rate) can be used, resulting in significant scan time LAVA Flex is a 3D FSPGR imaging technique that acquires fat/
reduction water in phase and out of phase echoes in a single acquisition. Up
• Peripheral Gating that minimizes the pulsatile artifacts to 4 types of images may be reconstructed within one acquisition:
in phase, out of phase, water only, fat only. The water only
• Optimized view ordering to improve arterial signal
contrast differs from a conventional fat suppressed image in that
• ASSET acceleration compatibility to reduce scan time an inversion prep pulse is not applied for fat suppression. In fact,
the fat information is removed leaving a water only image that
Pediatric Cardiology may potentially be used in place of a LAVA type image. LAVA Flex
MR Echo uses ARC (Autocalibrating Reconstruction for Cartesian sampling),
MR Echo expands on the capability provided by iDrive Pro Plus a 3D self-calibrated parallel imaging technique that allows for
and is designed to significantly simplify and reduce cardiac exam acceleration in both phase and slice directions for supported
times. Presently, patients have to undergo multiple breath-holds coils.
to achieve the ”whole-heart coverage” for wall motion and
other studies. MR Echo employs a bright-blood ultra-fast FIESTA
sequence, which virtually eliminates the need for breath-holding.
An intuitive interface enables the operator to quickly scan the
heart in any orientation and to save real time images to the
browser through bookmarks. Scan & Save mode enables high-
resolution heart imaging and enables multiple functional images
over many slices to be prescribed and scanned in a single breath-
hold. MR Echo auto-calculates total scan time for the number of
prescribed slices enabling each scan to be tailored to the patient’s
breath-hold capability.

‡
MR Scanning has not been established as safe for imaging fetuses or infants. Carefully compare the benefits of MR versus alternative procedures before
scanning to control risk to the patient. A physician needs to decide to scan pregnant or infant patients.

36
SIGNA Voyager Scan Parameters
Operator console 3D Fast Gradient Echo
The SIGNA Voyager system comes equipped with a scan control
keyboard assembly that contains intercom speaker, microphone Minimum TR (64x64) 0.64 ms
and volume controls, and an emergency stop switch. Start-scan, Minimum TR (128x128) 0.79 ms
pause-scan, stop-scan, and table advance to isocenter hot keys Minimum TR (256x256) 1.10 ms
are also included.
Minimum TE (64x64) 0.248 ms
DICOM Minimum TE (128x128) 0.248 ms
The SIGNA Voyager system generates MR Image, Secondary
Capture, and Gray Scale Softcopy Presentation State (GSPS) Minimum TE (256x256) 0.254 ms
DICOM objects. The DICOM networking supports both send and
query retrieve as well as send with storage commit 2D Spin Echo
to integrate with the site’s PACS archive. DICOM filming support
Minimum TR (128x128) 3.0 ms
includes both Basic Grayscale and Basic Color Print Service
Classes. Additionally, the SIGNA Voyager system supports the CT Minimum TR (256x256) 4.0 ms
and PET image objects for display allowing the user to refer to Minimum TE (128x128) 1.8 ms
cross-modality studies. Minimum TE (256x256) 2.2 ms
Slice thickness and FOV
3D Fiesta
Minimum slice thickness in 2D 0.2 mm
Minimum TR (64x64) 1.14 ms
Minimum slice thickness in 3D 0.1 mm
Minimum TR (128x128) 1.44 ms
Minimum FOV 5 mm
Minimum TR (256x256) 2.06 ms
Maximum FOV 500 mm
Minimum TE (64x64) 0.336 ms
Min / Max Matrix 32-1024
Minimum TE (128x128) 0.420 ms
2D Fast Spin Echo Minimum TE (256x256) 0.512 ms

Minimum TR (128x128) 5 ms Echo Planar Imaging (EPI)

Minimum TR (256x256) 6 ms
Minimum TR (64x64) 4.0 ms
Minimum TE (128x128) 1.7 ms
Minimum TR (128x128) 5.0 ms
Minimum TE (256x256) 2.1 ms
Minimum TR (256x256) 6.0 ms
Min slice thickness 0.2 mm
Minimum TE (64x64) 1.1 ms
Min ESP 128x128 1.7 ms
Minimum TE (128x128) 1.3 ms
Min ESP 256x256 2.1 ms
Minimum TE (256x256) 1.7 ms
Max ETL 480
Minimum FOV 4 cm
3D Fast Spin Echo ESP at 25 cm FOV 64x64: 0.496 ms
128x128: 0.704 ms
Minimum TR (128x128) 74.0 ms 256x256: 1.116 ms
Minimum TR (256x256) 74.0 ms ESP at 48 cm FOV 64x64: 0.36 ms
Minimum TE (128x128) 6.0 ms 128x128: 0.504 ms
256x256: 0.720 ms
Minimum TE (256x256) 8.0 ms
ESP at 99 cm FOV 64x64: 0.252 ms
Min slice thickness 0.3 mm
128x128: 0.352 ms
Min ESP 2.0 ms 256x256: 0.56 ms
Max ETL 399 Images per second 64x64: 600
128x128: 125.654
2D Fast Gradient Echo 256x256: 37.441
Minimum TR (64x64) 0.66 ms b value Maximum (s/mm2):
Minimum TR (128x128) 0.792 ms 10,000
Max # for ADC: 40
Minimum TR (256x256) 1.11 ms
Diffusion Tensor Directions Max: 150
Minimum TE (64x64) 0.248 ms
Minimum TE (128x128) 0.248 ms Note: Optional software packages may be required to achieve certain
specifications above.
Minimum TE (256x256) 0.254 ms

37
Siting and Other Specifications
This section provides an overview of the siting requirements for a RF Shielding
SIGNA Voyager. More detailed information is available on request. 100dB at 63.86 MHz planewave
Room Layouts
Workspace Monitor Position
System Configuration Maximum Field Strength
Minimum Values
LCD Flat Panel Monitor 5 mT (50 Gauss )
Magnet Room WxD 3.7 m x 5.8 m
Minimum Ceiling Height 2.5 m (98.5in) min ceiling height
Temperature and Humidity Requirements
Equipment Room WxD 1.8 m x 2.7 m
Magnet Control Equipment
Control Room WxD 1.5 m x 2.1 m Room Room Room
Minimum Total Area (M^2) 27m2 Temperature 15 - 21 °C 15 - 32 °C 15 - 32 °C
Max. Temperature 3 °C / hour 3 °C / hour 3 °C / hour
Fringe Field Change Rate
Axial Radial Humidity 30 - 60 % 30 - 75 % 30 - 75 %
0.5 mT 4m 2.5 m (non-condensing)
(5 Gauss) Max humidity 5% RH/hr 5% RH/hr 5% RH/hr
0.1 mT 5.7m 3.4 m change rate
(1 Gauss)
Altitude Requirements
Installation Dimensions and Weights Lower limit -30m
Width Height Weight Upper limit 2600m
Magnet assembly – (not 2.1 m 2.4 m 3900kg
including electronics) (8598lbs) Alternative environments
with Modular buildings may also be available (including air-
cryogens conditioning, heating, chiller, RF shielding, additional magnetic
Comfort Plus patient table 70 cm 93 cm 257 kg shielding in walls). Contact your local GE representative for GE-
(27.5 in) (36.61 in) (453 lbs) certified designs and vendors.
Control Room Equipment 69.4 kg Please ask your local GE project manager for a comprehensive
(153.0 lbs) installation and siting manual.
MR Equipment 1631 kg Filming considerations
(3596 lbs) Filming requires the SIGNA Voyager analog or digital filming.
Electrical Supply Requirements Interface (purchased separately) unless DICOM Print will be used
Supply system recommended configuration: exclusively for software filming to DICOM Print peripheral devices.
An Analog/VDB or Digital/LCAM Camera Interface is typically
• 3-phase grounded WYE with neutral and ground (5-wire system)
required for most installations.
• Note: Neutral must be terminated inside main disconnect control
Accessory Package
Alternate configuration: • SPT phantom set with storage cart
• 3-phase DELTA with ground (4-wire) • Customer diagnostic software
Recommend corner grounded Delta configuration • Operator manuals
Voltage/Frequency: 480VAC/60Hz. 415, 400, 380VAC/50,60Hz • Patient log books
Power Consumption Emergency stop
SIGNA Voyager is designed with technology that reduces Disconnects electrical power from RF and gradient components in
its power footprint. Power consumption is 48% lower than the magnet room (duplicate control at the magnet).
conventional 1.5T systems. Power consumption depends on
actual usage. They include consumption by the shield cooler Warranty
compressor (9 kVA). The following values are approximate and are The published GE warranty in effect on the date of shipment shall
measured per COCIR standards: apply.

Sleep Mode (a.k.a Power off mode) 5.7kW InSite* Remote Diagnostics

Standby (no scan) 11.1kW GE’s unique remote service and applications support including
magnet monitoring. Also allows downloading of applications
Typical Power per COCIR Standards 16.1kW
software such as eFlexTrials program.
Maximum Continuous sustained power (> 5 secs) 64 KVA
Peak Instantaneous Power (< 5 secs) 77 KVA

38
Miscellaneous
Optional capabilities
Some features and capabilities listed in this data sheet are
optional with a SIGNA Voyager and are subject to change without
notice. Contact a GE representative for the most recent data.

GE regulatory compliance
The SIGNA Voyager complies with all applicable safety standards,
including but not limited to UL60601-1 and IEC60601-1,
IEC60601-2-33, IEC60601-1-2 (Electromagnetic Compatibility).

Laser alignment devices contained within this system are

appropriately labeled according to the requirements of the
FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) and
IEC 60825-1.

39
About GE Healthcare
GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies
and services to meet the demand for increased access,
enhanced quality and more affordable healthcare around the
world. GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter - great people
and technologies taking on tough challenges. From medical
imaging, software & IT, patient monitoring and diagnostics to
drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies
and performance improvement solutions, GE Healthcare helps
medical professionals deliver great healthcare to their patients.

GE Healthcare
3000 North Grandview Blvd.
Waukesha, WI 53188
U.S.A.

©2016 General Electric Company – All rights reserved.

General Electric Company reserves the right to make changes in specifications and
features shown herein, or discontinue the product described at any time without no-
tice or obligation. Contact your GE Representative for the most current information.

GE and GE Monogram are trademarks of General Electric Company.

*Trademarks of the General Electric Company.

GE Healthcare, a division of General Electric Company.

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