As the demand for advanced medical imaging technology continues to rise, healthcare facilities are increasingly seeking efficient solutions to upgrade their existing systems. This project involved a critical upgrade of the Echelon MRI magnet to ensure compatibility with the state-of-the-art Avanto system. The challenge was to achieve this enhancement within a tight budget and timeframe while delivering optimal performance for the end-user
The project presented several significant challenges, primarily due to its time-sensitive nature. With only 15-17 days left for Q2 revenue recognition, we faced the pressing need to expedite the upgrade while minimizing costs. One of the most critical phases was managing the precooling, ramp-up, and calibration processes, which are notoriously time-consuming and seldom conducted in our facility. Furthermore, the standard handover period for MRI systems typically spans a minimum of 30 days following offloading; however, this project required a remarkably faster turnaround to meet customer expectations and regulatory timelines. Balancing these factors while ensuring high performance and reliability added considerable complexity to the undertaking.
The team implemented a systematic approach to convert the Echelon magnet for the Avanto MRI system. They began by fabricating custom jigs to facilitate the removal of the Echelon gradient coil and the installation of the Avanto coil, ensuring proper alignment. After making necessary mechanical modifications for compatibility, the team proceeded with pre-cooling the magnet using liquid nitrogen and helium. They then executed the ramp-up process, which was their first experience with this critical step, followed by calibration and testing to confirm the MRI met all quality standards. Through effective communication with logistics and installation teams, the system was powered on and handed over to the customer within 14 days of arrival, significantly ahead of typical timelines.
