Used MRI Systems from U.S. Are in Demand South of the Border

What is the true useful life of an MRI system?  In many cases, it’s much longer than one may think.  Many used medical equipment systems continue their useful lives and continue  to perform diagnostic imaging on patients for many years, even decades, after they are de-installed in the U.S.

This fifteen-year-old Hitachi Airis Elite MRI system was de-installed and removed from a hospital in San Diego, California, destined for an imaging facility in Mexico.  South of the border, a significant demand exists for affordable, high-quality pre-owned medical imaging systems from the U.S. This model, which uses a permanent magnet and does not require liquid helium, makes it attractive for many imaging centers seeking lower maintenance costs.

Unlike newer Hitachi models, the Airis Elite can be installed, calibrated and serviced by third-party companies.  Newer Hitachi models may no longer be serviced or repaired by third parties, and owners of these MRI machines are subjected to higher maintenance costs from the manufacturer.  This dynamic has helped maintain the value of older systems compared to newer Hitachi releases.

The removal of the Airis Elite MRI system was a complex process requiring the removal of a wall, the digging of a trench, the construction of a floor ramp in the exterior of the building, and the use of a crane to physically lift the system and place it on a flatbed truck.

Cranes are often necessary when removing MRI machines because of the precise rigging and placement required. Removing this MRI system required vertical lifts and navigating the unit out with extreme care to ensure safety and prevent damage.  Removals of this type can be very dangerous, and should be handled by experienced, capable teams.

So how many more years of useful life will this equipment have beyond its first 15 years in the U.S.?  “As long as there are still used parts available, this machine can continue to image patients for another 10 to 15 years,” stated Jorge Sandoval, an MRI specialist and head of Mexico sales for ROS who helped plan and orchestrate this MRI removal.  “90% of private diagnostic imaging centers in Mexico and Latin America cannot afford brand new equipment, and we rely on hospitals and clinics in the U.S. to resell their equipment and not destroy it, Mr. Sandoval added.

For those who want more information on the importance of MRI’s for lower and middle-income countries, the following article provides a deep-dive analysis.

About ROS

Radiology Oncology Systems, Inc. is a provider of refurbished medical equipment systems, including MRI, CT, PET/CT, and Linear Accelerators.