Health Images, Inc. Signs Exclusive Distribution Agreement for Boreas B100 Helium Recondenser

Strategic Insights -

Health Images, Inc. announced an exclusive, three-year, worldwide distribution agreement with Boreas, Inc. to market and sell the Boreas B100 helium recondenser, a breakthrough technology that reduces helium consumption in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. The agreement marks a significant development in the medical imaging industry, with potential cost savings of up to 350% for MRI system owners. Health Images' Engineering Division collaborated closely with Boreas to adapt existing cryogenic cooler technology for use with MRI systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • Health Images, Inc. signed an exclusive, three-year, worldwide distribution agreement with Boreas, Inc. to market and sell the Boreas B100 helium recondenser.
  • The Boreas B100 helium recondenser reduces helium consumption in MRI systems by up to 350%, from 3,500 liters per year to less than 100 liters.
  • The technology benefits two primary markets: the installed U.S. base of over 3,000 MRI systems and regions with expensive helium costs, such as South/Central America, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
  • Health Images plans to aggressively market the Boreas B100 to its installed base customers in the United States and through dealers in the Far East, Eastern Europe, and South America.
  • Boreas, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing low-temperature technology for the superconducting industry and has been awarded the R&D 100 award for "one of the most significant products of 1994" by R&D magazine.
  • Health Images, Inc. owns and operates 56 diagnostic imaging centers and one radiation oncology center, and manufactures MRI scanners and provides MRI equipment maintenance services.

Statistics:

  • Up to 350% reduction in helium consumption in MRI systems with the Boreas B100 helium recondenser.
  • 3,000 MRI systems with helium/nitrogen magnets in the installed U.S. base.
  • 3,500 liters per year of helium consumption in MRI systems without the Boreas B100.
  • Less than 100 liters per year of helium consumption in MRI systems with the Boreas B100.

Sources:

  • PR Newswire, May 9, 1995
  • R&D magazine (for the R&D 100 award)