FDA Clears Siemens Healthineers' 70cm Magnetom Flow MR Platform with Minimal Helium Use and AI Integration

Siemens Healthineers has received FDA clearance for its new Magnetom Flow. platform, a 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging system featuring a 70cm bore, minimal helium dependency, and advanced AI-powered imaging and workflow tools. This latest release marks the company’s continued commitment to sustainability, efficiency and clinical performance in MR technology.

The Magnetom Flow. is the second 1.5T MR platform from Siemens Healthineers to use a virtually helium-free cooling system, following the 60cm bore Magnetom Flow.Ace. The company also produces the lower-field 0.55T Magnetom Free platform, part of its push toward environmentally conscious MRI systems.

Katie Grant, head of Magnetic Resonance at Siemens Healthineers North America, said the platform was designed to exceed clinical expectations while lowering operational demands. “The 70cm Magnetom Flow. platform is an intelligent magnetic resonance scanner that exceeds clinical expectations and simplifies workflows while doubling down on our commitment to sustainability in healthcare,” Grant said. “This platform can help healthcare institutions meet the demands of higher patient throughput in less time than previous generations of MR scanners while also lowering the total cost of ownership.”

Traditional MRI scanners typically require more than 1,000 liters of helium for magnet cooling. The Magnetom Flow. requires only 0.7 liters, thanks to the company’s DryCool¹ technology. That significant reduction eliminates the need for helium refills and a quench pipe, the latter of which is often required in emergency shutdown situations to vent gas. The compact footprint and lack of a quench pipe also simplify installation and reduce costs.

The scanner also supports AI-assisted workflows and automation features. These include cardiac workflow tools, the myExam Assist and myExam Autopilot for adaptive scanning, and myExam Implant Suite, which helps ensure safety for patients with implants such as pacemakers. Deep Resolve 2D and 3D reconstruction technologies further support high-resolution imaging with shorter scan times and enhanced sharpness.

Siemens Healthineers reports the system consumes up to 56% less energy annually compared to its previous generation of 1.5T MR scanners. The new Eco Power Mode adds further efficiency by deactivating energy-intensive components when they are not in use. The platform’s modular design allows for future upgrades, extending the scanner’s operational life and reducing the need for full-system replacement.

A full suite of high-density coils supports a wide range of clinical applications. This includes flexible contour coils in four sizes for diverse anatomies, as well as specialized coils for brain, spine, and musculoskeletal imaging. The new BioMatrix Contour XL coil enables whole-body imaging, while the tiltable BioMatrix head and neck coil features an optional integrated wireless audio system for patient comfort. Integrated BioMatrix Position Sensors help streamline exam setup by automatically suggesting optimal patient positioning.

The Magnetom Flow. platform is designed to support comprehensive clinical imaging needs while addressing growing demands for operational efficiency, sustainability and patient-centered care.