Volumetric imaging is a 3D technique where all the MRI signals are collected from the entire tissue sample and imaged as a whole entity, therefore providing a high signal to noise ratio. The acquisition of isotropic voxels or thin slices with high spatial resolution allows to create multiplanar reconstructions in all planes; a compensation for the usually longer scan time. The acquisition time can be reduced by parallel imaging technique.
New T2 weighted variants of 3D sequences (FSE-XETA, T2-SPACE, VISTA) have been introduced that differ from conventional FSE sequences. An echo train containing up to 200 echoes obtained at a minimum echo spacing allows very fast acquisition. A flip angle modulation (flip angle sweep - FAS) during the FSE readout carries magnetization as long as possible to avoid blurring and provide optimal signal at the effective echo time. This type of imaging is well suited for brain and spine MRI procedures.
Newer T1 weighted variants include Liver Acquisition with Volume Acquisition (LAVA) and T1W High Resolution Isotropic Volume Examination (THRIVE), which have advantages for dynamic breath hold imaging in liver and abdominal examinations.

See also Volume Imaging, 3 Dimensional Imaging.

From Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc.;
the AIRIS made its debut in 1995. Hitachi followed up with the AIRIS II system, which has proven equally successfully. 'All told, Hitachi has installed more than 1,000 MRI systems in the U.S., holding more than 17 percent of the total U.S. MRI installed base, and more than half of the installed base of open MR systems,' says Antonio Garcia, Frost and Sullivan industry research analyst. Now Altaire employs a blend of innovative Hitachi features called VOSIâ„¢ technology, optimizing each sub-system's performance in concert with the other sub-systems, to give the seamless mix of high-field performance and the patient comfort, especially for claustrophobic patients, of open MR systems.

From Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc.;
the EXCELART is a superconducting whole body MRI system with a short wide-bore magnet, operating at 1.5 T. It features powerful high-speed gradients with a revolutionary gradient acoustic noise reduction system: Pianissimo. The dramatic reduction of gradient acoustic noise by Pianissimo greatly enhances patient comfort during exams. The standard array platform and a wide range of array coils ensure excellent images. A powerful 64-bit RISC-based computer system and newly developed array processor realize high productivity.

From Hitachi Medical Systems America Inc.;
Hitachi expanded its portfolio with the Echelon™ 1.5T. The MRI scanner combines a compact magnet and a scalable 8-channel RF system with high-performance gradients and slew rate to select short echo times, small field of views, high matrices and thin slices. Standard features of the Echelon MRI system include higher-order active shim, RAPID (parallel imaging for use on brain MRI, body, cardiovascular imaging, and orthopedic coils), multiple coil ports, and an advanced reconstruction engine.

From Hitachi Medical Systems America Inc.;
the AIRIS II, an entry in the diagnostic category of open MR systems, was designed by Hitachi Medical Systems America Inc. (Twinsburg, OH, USA) and Hitachi Medical Corp. (Tokyo) and is manufactured by the Tokyo branch. A 0.3 T field-strength magnet and phased array coils deliver high image quality without the need for a tunnel-type high-field system, thereby significantly improving patient comfort not only for claustrophobic patients.