The exceptional image clarity and patient comfort features of the recently installed Magnetom Flow Ace MRI system at Netcare Garden City Hospital are complemented by tranquil beach scene decor and caring radiology staff. Pictured are the head of MRI at ImagePro Radiology, Comfort Matamela, and MRI radiographer, Emily Ramotsehoa.

The latest in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology for the diagnosis of innumerable health conditions and treatment monitoring has a new home with the installation of a state-of-the-art system at Netcare Garden City Hospital, one of only a handful in Africa.

“Every clinical discipline requiring a highly detailed view of structures within the human body, from audiology, cardiology, gynaecology and orthopaedics to neurology, surgery and urology, can benefit from higher resolution MRI scans,” says radiologist Dr Trevor Nefale, of ImagePro Radiology based at the hospital. 

“For patients and parents of children needing an MRI, the introduction of the Magnetom Flow Ace system significantly improves the experience and MRI scans take just minutes, while providing consistent optimal quality imaging for treating specialists to guide their diagnosis and treatment options better,” he says.

Enhanced image clarity in focus

“MRI is used for various diagnostic purposes, including brain and neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, evaluating spinal injuries or conditions such as disc herniation, and is often used in neurosurgery planning. It is also invaluable for diagnosing injuries and tumours throughout the body, especially diseases of the soft tissue, which the new flagship MRI technology, incorporating Deep Resolve AI image reconstruction software, allows us to visualise and distinguish more clearly than ever before,” Dr Nefale explains. 

The high resolution MRI scans produced by the new multimodality system, supplied by Siemens Healthineers, have particular value for acute stroke diagnosis at Netcare Garden City Hospital’s World Stroke Organization (WSO) certified Essential Stroke Centre where every minute is precious for preserving brain function. Rapid, evidence-based treatment protocols are the hallmark of WSO certification, as these directly impact stroke survival and outcomes. As of October 2025, Netcare Garden City Hospital is one of only 34 hospitals from 17 countries that have achieved this full certification, or are actively pursuing it.

Fellow radiologist Dr Dharmesh Kessow adds, “The higher resolution musculoskeletal imaging also brings a new level of clarity for visualising sports injuries, as well as non-invasive abdominal-pelvic investigations, providing the treating doctor with more detailed information to assist with reaching treatment decisions that support better outcomes.”

The extreme clarity of the imaging, enhanced by scientifically developed neural networks that provide a much sharper definition of tissues and structures than previously, is significant for breast imaging, prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and active surveillance. 

Comfort and reassurance 

In further improvements on the prior MRI generation, the new system design incorporates comfort features, including contour coils with integrated sensor technology that gently support the head, neck, and spine, adjusting to each person’s unique body shape and, where needed, their breathing throughout their scan. This also allows for subsequent scans to exactly replicate the positioning for precise comparison over time. 

Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRIs do not involve radiation exposure, making them a safe option for repeat imaging, such as when monitoring a tumour’s response to treatment. 

The MRI room’s tranquil, beach-inspired theme is designed to be a calming setting. “The radiographer remains at the person’s side while they are registered and positioned before starting the scan, providing reassurance for paediatric and nervous individuals. The system is also equipped with ComfortSound wireless audio, which helps block out the sound of the scanner, which can otherwise be a bit noisy from inside,” Dr Kessow explains.

In terms of environmental sustainability, the Magnetom Flow Ace uses significantly less power than previous generation MRI systems, and its closed design does not require helium refilling. 

Zeyn Asmal, general manager of Netcare Garden City Hospital, congratulated the radiology practice on the emphasis it places on person centred MRI and other medical imaging solutions. “We appreciate the value this technological advancement in MRI adds, both in terms of the experience of healthcare and the potential for guiding treatments to achieve better medical outcomes,” Asmal concludes.