Replacing a failed Philips dStream or GE AIR MRI coil can cost between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on the model. For healthcare technology management (HTM) and imaging leaders, access to qualified repair services can significantly change the financial equation.
Both technologies present challenges beyond conventional MRI coil repair. Philips dStream incorporates digital electronics and fiber-optic communication systems, while GE AIR uses flexible circuitry that must withstand repeated movement during clinical use.
Innovatus Imaging has developed comprehensive repair solutions for both technologies, supported by proprietary diagnostics and more than 40 years of OEM manufacturing experience.
Philips dStream Coil Repair: Proprietary Diagnostics and Fiber-Optic Cable Replacement
Philips dStream coils digitize MRI signals within the coil and transmit them through fiber-optic connections. Diagnosing failures within these systems requires specialized equipment and an understanding of the coil's digital and optical architecture.
The complexity of dStream technology limits the independent repair options available to HTM teams.
Innovatus has developed proprietary diagnostic equipment to evaluate fiber-optic systems and identify failures within the coil assembly.
Repair capabilities include:
- Proprietary fiber-optic diagnostic testing.
- Fiber-optic system cable replacement.
- Electrical and mechanical component repair.
- Model-specific performance testing.
System cable replacement is a particularly important capability. According to Innovatus, replacement cables obtained through the OEM can cost approximately $15,000, when available.
A failed system cable does not necessarily require replacement of the entire coil. Innovatus can evaluate the assembly and determine whether cable replacement or another repair procedure can restore functionality.
Philips 3T dStream Neurovascular Array
Philips 3T dStream Anterior Flex Coil
GE AIR Coil Repair: Comprehensive Preventive Flexible-Circuit Replacement
GE AIR coils use lightweight, flexible construction designed to conform to patient anatomy. Depending on the model, a coil can contain up to 30 channels or flexible circuits.
Repeated flexing can contribute to wear across these circuits. When one fails, others may have experienced similar stress, increasing the risk of subsequent failures.
A conventional point repair addresses the identified failure but may leave other worn circuits in place.
Innovatus offers a comprehensive preventive repair service that replaces all flexible circuits within the coil assembly, rather than only the circuit that has failed.
This approach addresses the immediate failure and accumulated wear throughout the flexible circuitry.
Its advantages include:
- Replacement of failed and aging flexible circuits throughout the assembly.
- Reduced exposure to subsequent failures involving the original circuitry.
- Restoration of like-new performance in the repaired circuitry.
- The potential to extend the coil's useful service life.
The comprehensive process takes only slightly longer than a conventional point repair, but it addresses potential failure points across the flexible circuitry rather than waiting for individual circuits to fail.
Various layers within a GE Air Coil. Note the wiring in the center photo and the flexible "loop" elements in the right photo
The Financial Impact of Philips dStream and GE AIR Coil Repair
According to Innovatus's service experience, qualifying repairs may cost less than 10% of replacement.
For GE AIR coils, HTM teams should also consider the difference between a conventional point repair and comprehensive preventive repair. Replacing all flexible circuits may reduce future service needs associated with wear in those components, even when the initial repair cost is higher.
Facilities with OEM service agreements should evaluate contract coverage, exclusions, and direct charges before comparing repair and replacement expenses.
For a more detailed financial comparison, read The $100,000 Question: What's the Smartest Way to Fix a Failed GE AIR Coil?.
Philips dStream and GE AIR Coil Repair from Innovatus Imaging
Innovatus has completed more than 50,000 MRI coil repairs across a portfolio of more than 1,000 makes and models.
Its OEM manufacturing experience and component-level engineering expertise support repair solutions for complex MRI coil technologies.
For additional technical information, read Decoded dStream and Error-Free AIR Coils.
Need service for a Philips dStream or GE AIR MRI coil?
Contact Innovatus Imaging with your coil model and failure details to discuss repair feasibility, turnaround, and available service options.
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