Version 9.0 Standard Software Features

Systems: Signa 1.5/1.0 LX systems with Octane host computers
(Does not apply to Signa CV/i or NV/i systems)
Release Timing: By the End of 2001


How will you benefit from Version 9.0?


Standard Software Features

3Plane Graphic RX

A completely new Graphical RX interface allows planning for Single or Double Oblique slice prescription from a single 3-plane localizing sequence. Pre-Saturation bands are placed on the same image as slice locations providing more accurate placement of Sat suppression pulses. A wide array of additional RX tools is conveniently located on one screen for more efficient scan set-up.


Smart Prep 2000 Scan RX Improvements

Significant improvements to SmartPrep and SmartStep will enhance usability and reduce scan set-up times. New features include the "Quiet Delay" period after bolus detection, Delay timer countdown, Save SmartStep series as protocol, One button Prescan of all stations, New k-space filling options and many more!
Note: Applicable to customers with SmartPrep2000

Surface Coil Intensity Correction (SCIC)
This new imaging option for the CTL and Torso Array coils reduces the high intensity fat signal nearest the coil for improved visualization, particularly for the elements of the Vertebral Column.

Complete Flexibility with the T1 FLAIR and Fast Recovery Fast Spin Echo Sequences
The two new pulse sequences introduced inside Picture This with LX 8.3 software are now "unlocked" to allow complete user protocol customization and to save to the Site Protocol directory.

Optimized Scan Protocols including Pediatrics, STIR and FAME
Protocols are now provided for pediatrics, STIR and FAME applications. These protocols were developed with input from GE Luminary physicians, offering exceptional diagnostic information and outstanding image quality.

Signa Minute: Dynamic 3D T1 weighted Contrast Enhanced Breathhold Abdomen Imaging using FAME

Enhanced T1 Contrast for Spin Echo Imaging
This new feature allows the user to select the optimal flip angle for maximum T1 contrast with Spin Echo acquisitions. Contrast between Grey and White matter can be easily optimized by the technologist with an adjustment to the flip angle. The added flexibility of the variable flip angle feature adds a third dimension ot the optimization of T1 contrast.

Signa Minute: Selecting the Optimum Flip Angle

Higher B-Value Diffusion for systems with EchoPlus Software
High B-value choices and the Flexible NEX selection offer the very best in Single Shot Diffusion Images. The increased B-value capability allows for increased sensitivity to restricted diffusion and provides maximum gradient performance for Echoplus users.
Note: Applicable to customers with EchoPlus option

Very Selective Saturation Pulses for Probe Applications
The Very Selective Saturation Pulses give users of PROBE and PROSE applications increased flexibility and accuracy for the placement of saturation pulses, improving the quality of high-resolution Spectroscopy applications.
Note: Applicable to customers with Probe Spectroscopy option


Improved Image Quality

Complete Flexibility with the T1 FLAIR and Fast Recovery Fast Spin Echo Sequences
The two new pulse sequences introduced inside Picture This with LX 8.3 software are now "unlocked" to allow complete user protocol customization and to save to the Site Protocol directory.

Optimized Scan Protocols including Pediatrics, STIR and FAME
Protocols are now provided for pediatrics, STIR and FAME applications. These protocols were developed with input from GE Luminary physicians, offering exceptional diagnostic information and outstanding image quality.

Surface Coil Intensity Correction (SCIC)
This new imaging option for the CTL and Torso Array coils reduces the high intensity fat signal nearest the coil for improved visualization, particularly for the elements of the Vertebral Column.

Higher B-Value Diffusion for systems with EchoPlus Software
High B-value choices and the Flexible NEX selection offer the very best in Single Shot Diffusion Images. The increased B-value capability allows for increased sensitivity to restricted diffusion and provides maximum gradient performance for Echoplus users. Note: Applicable to customers with EchoPlus option

Enhanced T1 Contrast for Spin Echo Imaging
This new feature allows the user to select the optimal flip angle for maximum T1 contrast with Spin Echo acquisitions. Contrast between Grey and White matter can be easily optimized by the technologist with an adjustment to the flip angle. The added flexibility of the variable flip angle feature adds a third dimension ot the optimization of T1 contrast.


Extended Advanced Applications

Complete Flexibility with the T1 FLAIR and Fast Recovery Fast Spin Echo Sequences
The two new pulse sequences introduced inside Picture This with LX 8.3 software are now "unlocked" to allow complete user protocol customization and to save to the Site Protocol directory.

Higher B-Value Diffusion for systems with EchoPlus Software
High B-value choices and the Flexible NEX selection offer the very best in Single Shot Diffusion Images. The increased B-value capability allows for increased sensitivity to restricted diffusion and provides maximum gradient performance for Echoplus users. Note: Applicable to customers with EchoPlus option

Very Selective Saturation Pulses for Probe Applications
The Very Selective Saturation Pulses give users of PROBE and PROSE applications increased flexibility and accuracy for the placement of saturation pulses, improving the quality of high-resolution Spectroscopy applications. Note: Applicable to customers with Probe Spectroscopy option

Optimized Scan Protocols including Pediatrics, STIR and FAME
Protocols are now provided for pediatrics, STIR and FAME applications. These protocols were developed with input from GE Luminary physicians, offering exceptional diagnostic information and outstanding image quality.

Enhanced Productivity

3Plane Graphic RX
A completely new Graphical RX interface allows planning for Single or Double Oblique slice prescription from a single 3-plane localizing sequence. Pre-Saturation bands are placed on the same image as slice locations providing more accurate placement of Sat suppression pulses. A wide array of additional RX tools is conveniently located on one screen for more efficient scan set-up.

Complete Flexibility with the T1 FLAIR and Fast Recovery Fast Spin Echo Sequences
The two new pulse sequences introduced inside Picture This with LX 8.3 software are now "unlocked" to allow complete user protocol customization and to save to the Site Protocol directory.

Smart Prep 2000 Scan RX Improvements
Significant improvements to SmartPrep and SmartStep will enhance usability and reduce scan set-up times. New features include the "Quiet Delay" period after bolus detection, Delay timer countdown, Save SmartStep series as protocol, One button Prescan of all stations, New k-space filling options and many more! Note: Applicable to customers with SmartPrep2000

Optimized Scan Protocols including Pediatrics, STIR and FAME
Protocols are now provided for pediatrics, STIR and FAME applications. These protocols were developed with input from GE Luminary physicians, offering exceptional diagnostic information and outstanding image quality