4-D Neuroimaging has installed more large-scale MEG Systems than any
other Manufacturer.
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4-D Neuroimaging, formerly known as Biomagnetic Technologies, Inc.,
installed the first MEG systems for human study at UCLA and the National
Institutes of Health in the mid 80s. since then, 4-D has installed over 50
MEG systems throughout the world.
The first MEG systems were single channel systems with 2nd order
gradiometer detector coils that could operate in an unshielded
environment.
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 Figure 1. The First
single-channel MEG instrument. Installed at the NIH.
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Soon, however, the demand for more sensitive instruments mandated that MEG
systems be developed with 1st otder gradiometers, as in the first
clinically useful MEG systems, the 37 channel Magnes I and II systems,
physicians around the world developed standard protocols for epilepsy
surgery evealuation and pre-surgical functional mapping of eloquent
cortex.
Clinical studies utilizing the Magnes I and II, and Magnes 2500 WH systems
on over 5,000 patients during the 90s provided the necessary documentation
of clinical efficacy for the American Academy of Neurology to successfully
seek issuance of CPT codes for reimbursement of clinical MEG studies in
the U.S. in 2002, and for the determination of reimbursement amounts
published in 2003.
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 Figure 2. The first
clinically useful MEG system, the 37-channel Magnes I system.
Figure 3. The dual hemisphere 74-channel
Magnes II system. |
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Further experience with clinical applications such as epilepsy surgery
evaluation dictated the development of MEG systems that could reliably
measure the signals from deep epileptic sources within the mesial temporal
lobe. The answer from 4-D was the magnetometer-based Magnes 2500 WH and
Magnes 3600 WH systems. Magnetometer-based MEG systems are far more
sensitive than gradiometer-based systems, and require a level of
experience that only 4-D can provide, not only to develop the
instrumentation, but to install the systems and train operators of the
equipment.
In addition to on-site training during system installation, 4-D
provides in-depth training for researchers, technologists and clinicians
at selected customer sites around the world. There are currently over 30
large-scale 4-D MEG systems in operation worldwide.
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 Figure 4. The most advanced
research and clinical MEG system, the 248-channel Magnes 3600 WH.
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4-D Neuroimaging provides a comprehensive program of site planning and
complete installation service for all 4-D systems. 4-D engineers work with
hospital and university architects and planners, from the beginning, to
insure that the site is optimally configured for MEG studies.
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 Figure 5. The site plan
developed by 4-D engineers in conjunction with the staff of the New York
MEG Center.
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Careful planning and optimum design of the Magnes whole head has allowed
4-D to successfully install and support operation of magnetometer-based
systems in major urban environments, such as New York City, Tokyo and
Madrid.
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 Figure 6. The Magnes 2500 WH
MEG system at the Complutense University in Madrid is completely
surrounded by the city subway system. This site has the most environmental
noise of any site 4-D has evaluated. The system operates flawlessly with
4-D noise suppression software.
Figure 7. 4-D has installed two magnetometer-based MEG
systems in one of the busiest sections of New York City. Note the
proximity to subways and rail lines.
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