Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most impressive achievements of science. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, it does not use dangerous ionizing radiation. The method is based on the interaction of magnetic fields and radio waves with the atoms of the human body. In this article, we will break down how GE healthcare Signa systems work and why monitoring the cryo system is vital for accurate diagnostics.
The Magic of Hydrogen Atoms
The human body is made of approximately 70% water, which means it is full of hydrogen atoms. The nucleus of a hydrogen atom consists of a single proton that has its own magnetic moment, or “spin.” In a normal state, these spins are oriented in random directions.
When a patient is placed inside the powerful magnet of a Signa scanner, the following happens:
- Alignment: All protons in the body align themselves along the vector of the machine’s magnetic field.
- Radiofrequency Pulse: The machine sends a short radio signal. The protons absorb this energy and momentarily change their position.
- Resonance and Relaxation: When the pulse stops, the protons return to their original state, emitting the stored energy. This response signal is captured by the MRI receiving coils.
A computer processes these signals and converts them into a detailed black-and-white image. Since different tissues (muscles, bones, tumors) contain different amounts of hydrogen, they appear differently on the scan.
Why is MRI the Best Diagnostic Tool?
The main advantage of MRI over other methods is its incredible contrast in soft tissues. This allows doctors to see diseases at their earliest stages.
- Neurology: MRI can detect multiple sclerosis plaques, tiny strokes, and brain tumors that are invisible on a CT scan.
- Cardiology: Assessment of heart valves and the state of the heart muscle after an infarct.
- Traumatology: Detailed study of ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, which is critical for athletes.
- Oncology: Determining the exact boundaries of neoplasms and searching for metastases.
The Technical Side: The Role of Cold
To obtain such clear images, the magnetic field must be incredibly stable. This is only possible using superconducting magnets. Inside the Signa machine are coils cooled by liquid helium to a cryo state. Only at ultra-low temperatures can electricity flow through them without resistance, creating a powerful field.
If the cooling system fails, the magnet loses its properties, and diagnostics become impossible. To control this complex process, engineers use the Magmon unit.
Continuous Control for Accurate Results
The work of a diagnostic physician directly depends on the health of the hardware. If the pressure in the cryostat fluctuates, it can create interference (artifacts) on the image. In the worst-case scenario, the machine will stop, and the appointment schedule will be disrupted.
This is why the modern standard for operating GE healthcare equipment involves using the Cryowatch system.
How it works during the diagnostic process:
- Magmon constantly reads the parameters of the magnetic field and helium pressure.
- The Cryowatch system broadcasts this data to engineers in real-time.
- If the system detects even a slight deviation that could affect image quality, a technician is notified immediately.
This ensures that every patient receives the clearest and most reliable report, and the machine does not fail at a critical moment.
Understanding the principles of MRI helps one realize why this equipment requires such careful maintenance. The tandem of high-tech physics and modern monitoring systems like Cryowatch makes medical care not only effective but also uninterrupted.
