GE's Open Permanent Magnet MR Signa Profile which was launched in October '96 has been a runaway success with 10 promoters selecting the product for their requirement.

One of the major challenges facing customers in South Asia has been refilling of liquid helium in superconducting magnet systems. This process is time consuming and increases cost of operations. GE has launched the latest Signa Contour with the revolutionary K4 technology which almost eliminates the need for liquid helium replacement. This cost reduction will make MR examinations more affordable thereby increasing number of cases leading to overall improvement in viability.

GE has always been at the forefront of MR technology. We have the largest installed base in the world of 1 and 1.5 Tesla MRI systems at leading clinical research sites and centres of excellence. In India, GE MRI systems are installed at prestigious institutions like SCTMC, Trivandrum, Bombay Hospital etc. In keeping with GE's leadership in MRI, the first 1.5 Tesla Cardiac MRI system has been launched and installed at more than 15 international sites.

This issue of IMAGES highlights the latest clinical enhancements in the field of MRI. I am sure you will find the contents interesting and useful.