GE Healthcare, which has its North American headquarters in Wauwatosa, has teamed up with European manufacturer Tesla Engineering Ltd. to produce an advanced MRI scanner.
The ultra high-field 7.0 tesla human whole-body MRI scanners are used to conduct scientific and medical research, particularly in studying brain function and expanding into all anatomies.
Researchers hope the machines prove useful in providing more accurate diagnoses, earlier disease detection and improved effectiveness of investigational therapies in cases of cancer, stroke, epilepsy, drug abuse, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, attention deficit disorder, multiple sclerosis, head injury, visual disorders and schizophrenia.
Tesla Engineering’s new factory, currently under construction in Storrington, United Kingdom, will manufacture the 7.0T magnets. GE will receive the first unit in late 2015.
“This agreement will enable GE to deepen and broaden our collaborations with leading MRI academics and visionaries, sharing our collective expertise and missions in technology, science and medicine,” said Richard Hausmann, president and chief executive officer of GE Healthcare, MR. “The GE 7.0T community in the U.S., Europe and Asia has already demonstrated breakthrough observations and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury and cognitive physiology. Together, we will continue to push the frontiers of MRI for neuroscience and other applications.”
