Skyra to Prisma Upgrade

Current Timeline

Design / Construction Team

Current Progress

7/31/2023

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Project Look-ahead:

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BIC Suite Redesign

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Master Construction Schedule:

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Skyra → Prisma Upgrade - FAQ

1) Why is the Skyra being upgraded ?

The Skyra was purchased for the BIC in 2012 and is at the end of its lifespan as a state-of-the-art MRI system. A new generation of hardware, electronics and software is available which will better support innovative MRI research.

2) What system is the Skyra being replaced with and what are its features ?

The Skyra will be replaced with a Siemens Prisma, their highest-specification 3T system which is ideally suited for neuroimaging and other MRI research. It features an improved cryostat (magnet), the best-performing gradient set on the market, enhanced shimming capabilities and XA line hardware / software enabling rapid MRI with improved signal/noise and greater spatial and/or temporal resolution than either Skyra or Vida systems. All RF coils currently available on the Skyra will be replicated – including the 32ch and 64ch Head/Neck coils – and RF transmit / receive architecture for X-nucleus applications (but not RF coils) will also be incorporated.  A full range of software licenses and sequence libraries will be hosted including Simultaneous Multi-Slice (SMS, aka Multi-Band), Compressed SENSE, perfusion and ASL, MR Spectroscopy and more. Full lists of RF coils and sequences are available at the appropriate links.

3) How will the system be different to the Skyra ?

Both the Skyra and Prisma are 3T scanners, but the Prisma is a (slightly) physically bigger system. As a consequence the system may be in a slightly different location in the Scanner Room and the extent of the stray field (5 Gauss line) may increase marginally. The Prisma has a more powerful gradient set than the Skyra so certain scans may be louder. The new system will feature Siemens XA30 operating system so the console will have a completely new look and feel (identical to that of the 3T Vida in HDB). 

4) What will the upgrade process / timeline be ?

Feb 2023:           Preliminary BIC suite renovations

Mar 2023:           Decommissioning of Skyra

Mar-May 2023:   Renovations of 3T scanner / equipment / control rooms to accommodate Prisma

early June 2023: Delivery / install of Siemens 3T Prisma system

mid July 2023:   System acceptance tests

July 2023:           Final BIC suite refurbishment

Aug 2023:           Installation / testing of User protocols

                            User training on XA30 hardware / software

                            Substantial completion of project and close-out

Sept 2023:         BIC resumes full operations in NHB

A more accurate timeline will be posted when the design phase of the project is complete and updated regularly throughout construction.

5) Will I be able to continue my studies during the NHB renovations ?

YES – the upgrade process is being phased to ensure that most research in NHB can continue with minimal impact. Key Core Facilities in the NHB basement, including BIC, will remain operational. There may be occasional disruptions and schedule adjustments in order to perform critical construction, but the Skyra should remain in use until it is decommissioned. Planned disruptions will be communicated to Users in advance with as much notice as possible.

6) Will my scanner fees change ?

BIC will be undergoing its triennial Rate Review in the Summer / Fall of 2022, with new Resource Usage Fees set to come into effect for the 2022/23 Financial Year. These rates will be established based on current Center costs vs income, supported by a UT subsidy, and will be ratified and approved by the UT Office of Accounting. We do not expect the upgrade of the Skyra to a Prisma system to have any specific impact on scanner fees.