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Siemens Espree vs. Altea 1.5T MRI Systems: Wide Bore Legacy vs. BioMatrix Innovation

Compare the Siemens Espree and Altea 1.5T MRI systems — one known for its wide bore and TIM coil design, the other featuring modern BioMatrix technology and scan automation.

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20. May 2025
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Siemens Espree vs. Altea 1.5T MRI Systems: Wide Bore Legacy vs. BioMatrix Innovation

Siemens MAGNETOM Altea (1.5T)

siemens altea mri

Overview:
The MAGNETOM Altea is a 1.5 Tesla MRI system designed to enhance productivity, reproducibility, and patient comfort. It incorporates Siemens' BioMatrix technology, which adapts to individual patient anatomy and physiology, ensuring consistent imaging results. The system also features the Turbo Suite for accelerated scanning and the optional Innovision in-bore infotainment system to improve patient experience.

Key Technical Specifications:

Field Strength: 1.5 Tesla

Bore Size: 70 cm Open Bore design

Helium Consumption: Zero Helium boil-off technology

Gradient Strength: XJ gradients 33 mT/m @ 125 T/m/s (1.3 MVA)

RF Technology:

  • Maximum number of channels: 180
  • Independent receiver channels: 32

System Dimensions:

  • Length: 1.57 m (cover to cover)
  • Weight: 4.2 tons
  • Minimum room size: 28 m²

Power Consumption: Eco-Power technology

Software Platform: syngo MR XA

Additional Features:

  • Turbo Suite for scan acceleration
  • BioMatrix Sensors and Tuners for personalized imaging
  • Optional Innovision infotainment system for patient comfort

                                                                                                               

The Siemens MAGNETOM Espree

1.5T MRI system is known for its wide bore (70 cm) and short system length (125 cm). This design facilitates head-out exams and supports larger patients. The Espree also incorporates Siemens' TIM (Total Imaging Matrix) technology for efficient imaging a nd reduced exam times. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the technical specifications:

Key Technical Specifications:

Magnet:

  • Field Strength: 1.5 Tesla
  • Inner Bore Width: 70 cm (27.6 in)
  • Bore Length: 125 cm (49.2 in)
  • Magnet Weight (Including Helium): Approximately 3800 kg (8377 lbs)
  • Unique CT-like Open-Bore Diameter: High homogeneity over 30 cm 

Other Key Features:

  • Table Weight Limit: 550 lbs (250 kg)
  • System Dimensions: 125 cm x 230 cm x 225 cm (49.2 in x 90.5 in x 88.6 in)
  • System Weight: 5100 kg (11,245 lbs)
  • Total Field of View (FOV): 5 mm to 205 cm
  • Channel Configuration: 8-, 18-, or 32-channel configuration with TIM technology
  • Intercom: Patient-Operator Intercom
  • Cooling: Water Cooling System
  • Intercom: Patient-Operator Intercom
  • Ventilation: In-Bore Patient Ventilation
  • Coil Elements: Up to 76 coil elements
  • Software: B19 software level for new applications
  • Minimum Room Size: 27 m² / 290 sq ft 
  • 1.5T short bore, 70 cm opening
  • System dimensions: 125 x 230 x 225 cm
  • Patient weight limit: 550 lbs
  • Up to 76 coil elements with TIM support
  • Software level B19

 

Side by side common specifications:

 

 Feature

 MAGNETOM Altea

 MAGNETOM Espree

 Field Strength

 1.5 Tesla

 1.5 Tesla

 Bore Size

 70 cm Open Bore

 70 cm Open Bore

 Gradient Strength

 33 mT/m @ 125 T/m/s (XJ  gradients)

 33/45 mT/m @ 125/200 T/m/s (Q/XQ  gradients)

 Max Channels

 180

 76

 Independent Receiver  Channels

 32

 8, 18, 32

 System Length

 1.57 m

 1.57 m

 System Weight

 4.2 tons

 5.1 tons

 Minimum Room Size

 28 m²

 28 m²

 Helium Consumption

 Zero Helium boil-off

 Zero Helium boil-off

 Software Platform

 syngo MR XA

 syngo MR B17 to B19

 Turbo Suite

 Included

 Included

 BioMatrix Technology

 Included

 Not Available

 Innovision System

 Optional

 NA

 

???? Summary

Both the MAGNETOM Altea and Espree are advanced 1.5T MRI systems that prioritize patient comfort, workflow efficiency, and high-quality imaging. The Altea is well-suited for facilities seeking a balance between performance and state of the art technologies, offering robust features for routine imaging needs. The Espree, is available only on the used market at substantially lower price, and would be a perfect fit for any start up.

If you need further assistance in structuring your blog post or have additional questions about these systems, feel free to ask!

Disclaimer and Source Credit:

This article was originally published by Imaging Quest LLC on iqmedmart.com on May 19, 2025. All data included is accurate to the best of our knowledge, based on publicly available information from Siemens Healthineers and GE Healthcare, as well as historical service experience and end-user reports.

 

Siemens Healthineers, Espree, Alteaand are registered trademarks of Siemens Medical Systems, and /or their respective manufacturers.

 

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Iqmedmart Sales
Sales team at Imaging Quest, running the technical aspects of everyday upgrades, and deployment of cutting edge upgrades to our online presense.
Technical Director, Imaging Quest LLC , Iqmedmart.com
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Lately commented
Very informative. Keep it up. ·
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