Excursion Philips Healthcare

On 25 September 2024, the KIVI Electrical Engineering Department organised an excursion to Philips Healthcare in Best. The focus was on MRI, which stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

MRI is one of the most important tools for examining the inside of people. Philips is a pioneer in this field and has made significant improvements and enhancements to it over the years.

First, we were given an introduction about MRI and Philips. This was followed by a physicist who explained to us the impressive physics and technology that together make the MRI work.

An important development is that software is becoming increasingly important, various upgrade packages are being developed to make the systems present in the field work optimally. Artificial Intelligence is used not only to help the radiologist make the correct diagnosis but also to reduce scan time while maintaining image quality.

Where 1.5T (Tesla) is the most commonly used magnetic field strength, 3T is increasingly being used. Achieving such a strong magnetic field requires a superconducting magnet and this is achieved by cooling with liquid helium. The systems now leaving the factory require significantly less helium than before (7 litres compared to 1,700 litres!). The helium is in a sealed system so that no helium can escape. Very important, as a major shortage threatened in the near future.

Imaging in MRI takes place by receiving radio waves emitted by hydrogen atoms. Using a very homogeneous and stable magnetic field and radio waves with the right frequency, hydrogen atoms can be excited. To ensure this does not involve any interference from outside, the MRI is in a Faraday cage and all control electronics in a separate technical room.

After lunch, we are shown around the Customer Experience Centre where all the latest equipment is on display, including equipment for taking X-rays, for ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and MRI.

We get a chance to see how an actual scan is performed. In various test cages, MRI systems are extensively tested in terms of technology and applications.

We also get to see the factory, where the various parts arrive and are assembled into high-end equipment used all over the world.

All in all, Philips Healthcare employees provided a unique and comprehensive programme where we were informed about all aspects of MRI scanners.

MRI is one of the most important tools for examining the inside of humans. Philips is a pioneer in this field and has made significant improvements and enhancements to it over the years. These include the ever-increasing strength of the necessary magnetic field, a method to use Helium more economically (BlueSeal) in a closed system and, since recently, important improvements to imaging with AI techniques.

The staff of Philips Healthcare has arranged for us to attend a unique comprehensive programme where we will get information on all aspects of MRI scanners including a demonstration of scanning a patient.

Check-in at Philips due to access control (09:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.)

Presentations will be given in room QX (10:00 hrs - 12:00 hrs)-

The guided tours are on location

We wish you all a successful meeting.

With the kind regards of the organisers:

Jan van Eggermond, Olaf van de Kuijt and Eric Persoon