by Dr Evelyn Ho

Dr Mike Bourne, Director of Radiology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust was in Kuala Lumpur to share with the Imaging community the Advances in 1.5T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Le Meridien, Kuala Lumpur on 28 March 2007. He discussed what should be considered in upgrading existing MR equipment and that it was often a forgotten question that users would want all the old features to work just as well after upgrading and that it should be “evolution and not revolution!” Short cycle time and higher volume throughput were the other factors. A head, neck and spine coil (all in one) was highly useful. He also went through sequences that were essential in special examinations such as MRI of the breasts.

Stuart Clarkson, GE Healthcare global product manager for 1.5T MR then went on to speak on 1.5T and 3T MR technology advances with Madhav Phatak, general manager, MR, Asia Growth Markets rounding up the evening session with MR Image guided surgery –intervention. Phatak spoke on integrating operation theatre and MR facilities and also treatment of uterine fibroids using MR Focussed Ultrasound therapy and palliation of bone metastases and pain.

The event was sponsored by GE Healthcare and supported by the College of Radiology.