Product News MAGNETOM Flash (80) 1/2022
Our Connected Scanner is a Smart Deal:
You Care for Your Patients, We Stay Connected
to Care for Your MAGNETOM Free.Max
Julia Sauernheimer
Global Service Business Manager for MRI, Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany
We are breaking the accessibility barriers thanks to our new moving on to handover training (2) and operations (3).
scanner design with its light weight, excellent diagnostic With service in mind, our connected scanner approach
image quality, improved remote connection support, and accompanies you each step of the way, while reducing
greater sustainability. Almost everything has already been the total life cycle cost, and increasing the uptime of
said about MAGNETOM Free.Max, but not quite everything. MAGNETOM Free.Max. These two keywords, life cycle
That’s why, today, we are making it about service, and our cost and uptime, ultimately lead us to the topic of remote
disruptively innovative approach to how we deliver service. accessibility, and to the system’s service portal. This feature
In other words: Why our connected scanner approach is is crucial for troubleshooting current issues and trending
the final touch for your new scanner. parameters to predict future failures, all with one goal in
mind: Improving operation.
New service features for more MRI affordability
and availability
Development & Engineering
Since day one of the design and development of
MAGNETOM Free.Max, our Siemens Healthineers Customer DryCool technology
Services (CS) teams have been on board, creating a fitting Just like previous MRI scanners from Siemens Healthineers,
new service concept. We have worked continuously on MAGNETOM Free.Max also uses a superconducting magnet
numerous cutting-edge innovations, starting with the to create the main magnetic field. But, and this is an
development and engineering of the scanner itself (1), important but: The magnet and the water cooling design
… from … to … and
1 2 3
Development & Handover
Operations
Engineering Training
• DryCool technology • Blended Learning • CoilCare1
• System cooling
• Automated ramp-up / -down
• WeScan
1 Our new Service concept accompanies each step of the entire equipment life cycle.
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MAGNETOM Flash (80) 1/2022 Product News
have been significantly changed, impacting the way it is Handover Training
serviced throughout its life cycle. Instead of having the
Blended Learning
coils inside a large helium vessel containing up to 1,500 L
When it comes to handover training, we support you
of liquid helium (He), they are cooled by conduction to
with an optimal mix of online training formats and onsite
a small helium pot that only contains 0.7 L of liquid He –
hands-on experience, especially designed for MAGNETOM
which means an enormous 99.95% reduction.
Free.Max. On the one hand, our digital training portfolio
The big advantage now is that you only need helium
is complemented by our online education experience,
gas to fill the system and no longer depend on liquid
PEPconnect, which enables basic learning on user inter-
helium, which is excellent news for geographical regions
faces (UI), workflows, postprocessing, and more. On the
where supply of helium is limited. Once the helium
other hand, our new SmartSimulator performs cloud-based
refrigeration system is turned on, it cools and condenses
simulation training for software applications and work-
the helium gas into liquid. Further, the system is equipped
flows. Therefore, you are given access to a simulator that
with a buffer tank that stores helium gas, which occurs
allows your staff to practice in a safe environment, on a
during the ramp-down of the magnet, for instance. De-
simulator that replicates the same system used in your
signed as a self-contained system, all helium remains in a
clinical routine.
closed cycle and is reused to cool down the magnet again.
The big advantage is that you benefit from practical,
And last but not least, no quench pipe is needed, which
highly flexible, and interactive training without the time-
simplifies the site requirements significantly.
consuming interference in the daily routine of your
scanner and without compromising on quality [1]. The
most suitable content, level of detail, and duration is
defined by your individual needs. Training can be started
up to
in tandem with the installation, and operations can
1,500 L He
smoothly begin directly after the handover of the scanner.
Benefits of Blended Learning:
• Access the training material earlier, even before the
system delivery
• Learn more flexibly, at the time, location, and pace
that suits you best
• Pre-onsite steps, performed via PEPconnect and
Helium required for magnet refrigeration
SmartSimulator, provide you with an early insight into
a wide range of topics, available for various levels of
experience and interests
Reduced helium • Additional clarification of topics that require more
demand due to detailed explanation
DryCool technology • Getting the best out of the onsite training and maxi-
mizing focus
• Continuous education during the entire life cycle
of the system
We do not leave after training is finished. We always stay
by your side while you’re working with your MAGNETOM
Free.Max, accompanying your journey with remote moni-
toring and companion services.
0.7 L He
Conventional MRI With DryCool
technology 1
his solution is under development and not yet commercially available. Its future
T
availability cannot be ensured.
2 MAGNETOM Free.Max DryCool technology allows you to run your
MRI system with just a small fraction of the standard volume of
helium – 99.95% less than conventional MRI scanners.
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Product News MAGNETOM Flash (80) 1/2022
“I think the simulator was excellent, and
it was good to get some hands on practice.
[…] I think a blended approach to learning
is good to ensure that all learning styles
are catered for. After the training we
received I did feel well prepared for the
on-site applications training.”
Liz Loele, Clinical Lead MRI, Cobalt Health, UK3
In Operation before it occurs. You can just sit back and rely on our
CoilCare1 technology and services, take care of your patients, and
Tried and tested for MRI with our Guardian Program we achieve excellent and reliable image quality and clinical
predict possible failure through proactive, real-time, AI- results. Used with MAGNETOM Free.Max, CoilCare allows
based analysis, monitoring all critical components to even more precise detection of errors by continuously
increase your MRI uptime. With CoilCare, we now dive monitoring 50 trend parameters2.
even deeper: Connected to your scanner day and night,
seamlessly integrating into your daily clinical routine, we
monitor and oversee your entire scanner system – from the
2
ifty trend parameters including temperature, voltage, water pressure, and
F
humidity of subcomponents, e.g., magnet, patient table, cooling system,
magnet to crucial system parameters, including tempera- gradient component, or GPA gradient power amplifier.
ture and pressure, the cooling chain, and even your local 3
The statements by customers of Siemens Healthineers described herein are
receiver coils. For the latter, we also use machine learning based on results that were achieved in the customer’s unique setting. Since there
is no “typical” hospital and many variables exist (e.g., hospital size, case mix,
and neural networks-based algorithms, to constantly moni- level of IT adoption) there can be no guarantee that other customers will achieve
tor their performance and quality, identifying any event the same results.
SRS
3 We have developed different service features that keep the critical components of your MAGNETOM Free.Max running smoothly over their
entire life cycle.
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MAGNETOM Flash (80) 1/2022 Product News
Benefits of CoilCare: Automated ramping
• Machine learning and neural networks-based To support trouble-free operations when you are working
algorithms with your MAGNETOM Free.Max in your daily routine we
• Monitoring and analysis of local coils performed have developed an integrated power supply and control
several times a day enabling automated ramping of the magnet. First, in
• Enables reliable usage of scanning system without the event of loss of refrigeration – e.g., due to a power
downtime outage – which can, in the worst case, lead to the magnet
• Self-learning and intelligent system warming up and quenching, the system starts an automat-
ed ramp-down 30 minutes after a refrigeration event is
System cooling detected. This ramp-down takes 20 minutes and prevents
Redesigned, making the cooling chain even more effective. the magnet from experiencing a strong heat load. As
This is exactly what we did with the cooling system needed soon as the refrigeration is reinstated, the system checks
for MRI components such as power amplifiers, compres- remotely that temperatures and other parameters are
sors, and gradient coils. We now offer an indoor unit stable, before automatically ramping up the magnet again.
which combines the cabinet’s air conditioning and water In a nutshell: No user or service engineer action is needed
separator functions. A 50 L expansion vessel is fitted to to initiate the process, as MAGNETOM Free.Max performs
compensate for unavoidable water leaks in the cooling the ramp-down and ramp-up automatically.
system, such as those through bearings. An optional set
of two outdoor units can be fitted to provide cooling for WeScan4 Remote Scanning
the indoor unit. The advantage of this is that the indoor Many MRI users are currently experiencing a shortage of
unit is then independent of the customer’s water-cooling technologists, making it increasingly difficult for many
circuit. And thanks to this new solution, our Customer radiology departments to cover peak periods and non-core
Service team can now oversee and monitor the entire hours, such as late night, and weekend shifts. At the same
cooling chain. In the event of any incidents, we react time, staff stress levels are on the rise, which can lead to
fast, are solution oriented, and fix errors before they occur. high staff turnover and quality fluctuations, jeopardizing
This is of utmost importance for any MRI scanner, but economic success and reproducibility of high-quality
especially for MAGNETOM Free.Max, and it helps improve
system availability [2]. 4
WeScan is compatible with most scanners from Siemens Healthineers.
In the event of a power outage … … Free.Max controls the situation and ramps
itself down.
As soon as the power is back, Free.Max … and, once ready, ramps up again on its own.
automatically starts cooling down …
Fully sealed magnet Fully sealed magnet
4 Always on the safe side: Intelligent automated ramp-down feature acts faster and smarter than any human could in the event of loss
of refrigeration.
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Product News MAGNETOM Flash (80) 1/2022
“With WeScan, we can compensate for staff shortages
in a targeted manner and can therefore continue to offer
our entire spectrum of MRI examinations at our two sites.
Especially in the event of staff changes, as this allows for
real planning, security, and flexibility for our technologists
and patients.”
Norbert Wilke, M.D., Radiological Center, Höchstadt/Aisch and Nuremberg, Germany3
outcomes. This is why we have developed WeScan: A oriented monitoring of all critical components, while
remote scanning service for MRI systems, also designed to software updates improve the performance and security of
enable serviceability in remote locations. Qualified technol- your equipment – all to maximize your equipment uptime.
ogists either offer your onsite staff remote support with And the icing on top of the cake: With our Advance Plan
scanning tasks or perform the scan themselves. The system service agreement, you benefit from our continuous,
is remotely controlled using syngo Virtual Cockpit and digitally driven, long-term software update and upgrade
Smart Remote Services (SRS)5. To sum up: While your service and computing hardware replacements that keep
staff focuses on the patient onsite, you can request MRI your MAGNETOM Free.Max cybersecure,6 protecting your
scan support from a qualified remote MRI technologist. patients’ data. Our Advance Plans also enable you to
benefit from easy access to clinical and digital innovations,
Benefits of WeScan Remote Scanning: keeping users at the forefront of developments.
• Easy staff scheduling
• Flexible access to the expertise of remote MRI More convenient, faster, less expensive
technologists thanks to remote scanning technology We connect to your world to make service easy. Digitalizing
• Reliable quality healthcare allows us to be right by your side 24/7, making
• Higher revenue thanks to the potential to extend sure your equipment and knowledge are up to date and
services without additional staff clinical processes optimized – so you can focus on what
really matters: your patients.
We are by your side whenever you need us, with a
smart combination of personal and digital support References
We help safeguard your investment: MAGNETOM Free.Max
1 Kasap C. Utilizing Blended Learning for Customer Support During
is connected to Siemens Healthineers to deliver the best
the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Experience from the UK and Ireland.
performance in a smart way. First, the connectivity enables MAGNETOM Flash (77) 2/2020: 68-77.
simulations of the workflow – such as initial training – 2 Biber S. MAGNETOM Free.Max: Keeping a Hot System Cool.
even before the scanner is handed over. In the next step, MAGNETOM Flash (79) 2/2021: 95-98.
during operations, the connectivity enables solution-
mart Remote Services (SRS) is the fast, secure, and powerful data link that
S
Contact
5
connects your medical equipment to our experts, who provide proactive and
interactive services that speed up their running operations. To reduce onsite time
Julia Sauernheimer
and improve remote capabilities, Siemens Healthineers Smart Remote Services
Siemens Healthineers
(SRS) connectivity should be established from day one to increase uptime and
CS CRM BM
reduce service efforts.
Hartmannstr. 16 6
Cybersecurity updates are available for latest system software versions.
91052 Erlangen
The products/features and/or service offerings (here mentioned) are not
Germany
commercially available in all countries and are only available for selected CT
Tel.: +49 (1525) 4593954
and MRI modalities. If the services are not marketed in countries due to
[email protected]
regulatory or other reasons, the service offering cannot be guaranteed. Please
contact your local Siemens Healthineers organization for further details.
www.siemens-healthineers.com/services/customer-services Prerequisites: stable SRS connection with adequate bandwidth.
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MAGNETOM Flash (80) 1/2022 Product News
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