Lumbry Park first vets in UK to implement helium- independent MRI from Siemens Healthineers

Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists, part of CVS Group, has become the first veterinary practice in the UK to implement an advanced MRI system, the MAGNETOM Flow.Ace from Siemens Healthineers, which improves diagnostic capabilities whilst dramatically reducing helium usage. This investment marks a major step forward for both patient care and sustainability in veterinary medicine, improving imaging quality, streamlining workflow, and significantly reducing the time pets spend under general anaesthetic (GA). 

Sustainability was a key driver in the practice’s decision to invest in new technology, aligning with its long-term commitment to responsible, forward-thinking veterinary care. The MAGNETOM Flow.Ace MRI scanner from Siemens Healthineers uses DryCool technology, requiring just 0.7 litres of liquid helium for cooling, ensuring long-term sustainability without compromising imaging quality. 

Beyond sustainability, the system is also improving patient safety at Lumbry Park by dramatically reducing the time animals spend under general anaesthetic. As MRI scans require complete stillness to produce clear images, pets must be placed under GA, which carries risks and increases demand on clinical resources. The new MRI system has AI-enhanced scanning capabilities, allowing for quicker imaging and reducing the risks associated with prolonged GA, improving safety while making the process more efficient for clinicians. 

The new system also features ultra-lightweight BioMatrix Contour coils that adapt to the unique anatomy of each patient, improving signal quality and enhancing image resolution. Combined with advanced AI technology Deep Resolve, clinicians will be empowered to make more accurate diagnoses with clearer, more detailed scans at an increased scan speed – especially in complex neurological cases. For Lumbry Park, investing in this technology is about future-proofing their service while ensuring they can continue to deliver the highest level of care. 

Mark Plested, Head of Radiology at Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists comments: “We are thrilled to be the first veterinary practice in the UK to implement this technology. Investing in this system allows us to provide faster, safer and more accurate diagnoses while improving efficiency across our practice. At the same time, we recognise the importance of sustainability, and adopting technology that reduces helium reliance ensures we’re making responsible, long-term decisions for our practice. Being at the forefront of this advancement is incredibly exciting, and we are proud to lead the way in delivering the highest standard of care.”

Alistair Piggot, Head of Magnetic Resonance at Siemens Healthineers Great Britain & Ireland states: “We are proud to see Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists setting an example for veterinary imaging in the UK with the MAGNETOM Flow.Ace. Sustainability is a growing priority in healthcare, and by eliminating the need for extensive helium infrastructure, this system is not only environmentally responsible but far easier to install and maintain. We look forward to seeing the benefits it brings to the practice, their patients, and the wider veterinary community.”