Canon Launches Open Bore 1.5T MRI, Partners with Resoundant for MR Elastrography

At RSNA 2021, Canon launched a new advanced productivity, open bore 1.5T MRI system, Vantage Fortian, featuring workflow solutions, image enhancement, accelerated scan technology and new AI technologies that automate scan planning for Liver, Prostate and Whole Spine. Canon also announced a licensing agreement with Resoundant, Inc. to incorporate the company’s Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) technology on Canon’s newest line of MRI scanners.

Featuring a mobile interface that allows remote monitoring and seamless data integration, and in-room scan assist technology that automatically checks coils and correct patient position, Vantage Fortian is designed to get patients moving from waiting-room to scan-room to home.

“Vantage Fortian was developed specifically with workflow and productivity in mind,” remarked Akira Adachi, General Manager, MRI Systems Division at Canon Medical. “We have closely observed and listened to radiologists and technologists who face the challenges of ever-increasing patient loads, increasingly complex patient and healthcare system needs, and limited or reduced resources. Everyone recognizes that MRI scans generally take longer and require a more complex workflow than other modalities. So, our engineers have been focused on finding solutions that can really meet today’s new demands and ensure that MRI facilities and their patients can move more and wait less.”

In line with the recent release of Altivity – Canon’s bold new approach to AI innovation that uses smart technologies, the Vantage Fortian incorporates machine learning and deep learning technology that enhances image quality by removing noise and restoring SNR, automates many scan procedures, and confirms set-up steps to save time and reduce errors.

The Vantage Fortian uses Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE), which leverages deep learning reconstruction (DLR) technology to remove noise and restore SNR to MRI images.

 “AiCE is the world’s first DLR technology for MRI that produces clear and distinct images,” commented Mr. Adachi. “It has already become an essential tool for specialists around the world in visualizing fine anatomical detail to enable subtle clinical findings.”

In addition, with compressed sensing and parallel imaging accelerated scan technologies, Canon has incorporated solutions in Vantage Fortian to address challenges that occur across the entire MRI diagnostic workflow.

MRE Integrated on Canon's Newest MRI Systems

MR Elastography was invented at Mayo Clinic and is the only MRI technology that has been validated for staging liver fibrosis. It is currently available to clinicians at over 1,800 locations across the globe. The role of MRE has been increasingly recognized in multidisciplinary clinical guidelines for noninvasive liver fibrosis assessment, particularly in suspected cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The American College of Radiology issued Appropriateness Criteria that identify MRE as the most accurate and applicable noninvasive liver fibrosis exam. In the US, MRE is reimbursed via a Category I CPT code (76391) and is covered by numerous public and private insurance plans.

“We are excited to continue expanding our applications of body MR imaging by adding this technology that Resoundant has worked so well at establishing and improving. Resoundant is the pioneer in MRE and we are enthusiastic about the possibilities this relationship will bring to our customers.” said Akira Adachi, General Manager, MRI Systems Division at Canon Medical

“We’re thrilled to see MRE become available on Canon’s world-class MRI systems,” said Richard Ehman, MD, professor of Radiology and the Blanche R. & Richard J. Erlanger Professor of Medical Research at Mayo Clinic and CEO of Resoundant “One of our highest priorities is ensuring access to MRE anywhere in the world. Partnering with Canon helps us do that, as their footprint continues to expand rapidly.”

, which together, can contribute to reducing the time required for MRI procedures. Vantage Fortian also features new AI technologies that automate scan planning for Liver, Prostate and Whole Spine.

Featuring a mobile interface that allows remote monitoring and seamless data integration, and in-room scan assist technology that automatically checks coils and correct patient position, Vantage Fortian is designed to get patients moving from waiting-room to scan-room to home.

“Vantage Fortian was developed specifically with workflow and productivity in mind,” remarked Akira Adachi, General Manager, MRI Systems Division at Canon Medical. “We have closely observed and listened to radiologists and technologists who face the challenges of ever-increasing patient loads, increasingly complex patient and healthcare system needs, and limited or reduced resources. Everyone recognizes that MRI scans generally take longer and require a more complex workflow than other modalities. So, our engineers have been focused on finding solutions that can really meet today’s new demands and ensure that MRI facilities and their patients can move more and wait less.”

In line with the recent release of Altivity – Canon’s bold new approach to AI innovation that uses smart technologies, the Vantage Fortian incorporates machine learning and deep learning technology that enhances image quality by removing noise and restoring SNR, automates many scan procedures, and confirms set-up steps to save time and reduce errors.

The Vantage Fortian uses Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE), which leverages deep learning reconstruction (DLR) technology to remove noise and restore SNR to MRI images.

 “AiCE is the world’s first DLR technology for MRI that produces clear and distinct images,” commented Mr. Adachi. “It has already become an essential tool for specialists around the world in visualizing fine anatomical detail to enable subtle clinical findings.”

In addition, with compressed sensing and parallel imaging accelerated scan technologies, Canon has incorporated solutions in Vantage Fortian to address challenges that occur across the entire MRI diagnostic workflow.

Canon also announced a licensing agreement with Resoundant, Inc. to incorporate the company’s Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) technology on Canon’s newest line of MRI scanners.

MR Elastography was invented at Mayo Clinic and is the only MRI technology that has been validated for staging liver fibrosis. It is currently available to clinicians at over 1,800 locations across the globe. The role of MRE has been increasingly recognized in multidisciplinary clinical guidelines for noninvasive liver fibrosis assessment, particularly in suspected cases of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The American College of Radiology issued Appropriateness Criteria that identify MRE as the most accurate and applicable noninvasive liver fibrosis exam. In the US, MRE is reimbursed via a Category I CPT code (76391) and is covered by numerous public and private insurance plans.

“We are excited to continue expanding our applications of body MR imaging by adding this technology that Resoundant has worked so well at establishing and improving. Resoundant is the pioneer in MRE and we are enthusiastic about the possibilities this relationship will bring to our customers.” said Akira Adachi, General Manager, MRI Systems Division at Canon Medical

“We’re thrilled to see MRE become available on Canon’s world-class MRI systems,” said Richard Ehman, MD, professor of Radiology and the Blanche R. & Richard J. Erlanger Professor of Medical Research at Mayo Clinic and CEO of Resoundant “One of our highest priorities is ensuring access to MRE anywhere in the world. Partnering with Canon helps us do that, as their footprint continues to expand rapidly.”