Utilization characteristics of a superconductive MR system undergoing initial clinical trial

The authors describe their initial 7 month experience with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging using a superconductive MR system. Factors affecting system utilization were scheduled and unscheduled downtime, specific system characteristics, and physician experience with the new technology. Technical improvements that reduced the duty cycle and radiologist experience in tailoring examinations have improved patient throughput by reducing the average patient study time by approximately 40% during the 7 month survey. These considerations have important economic consequences for patients and operators of MR equipment.