Southlake Health transforms diagnostic imaging with Philips AI-enabled MRI increasing capacity to address patient demand
Innovative technology enhances patient comfort, expands therapeutic programs and opens capabilities in prostate, rectal, breast and cardiac health treatments
Sep 17, 2025 | 2 minute read
TORONTO and NEWMARKET, ON – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology and Southlake Health, today announced that the healthcare provider has selected Philips Ambition X MR with BlueSeal technology, the first high-performance and eco-friendly helium-free 1.5T scanner, to advance its diagnostic imaging capabilities with improved workflow efficiency and expanded imaging programs [1]. By implementing this leading-edge technology, Southlake Health has decreased scan times and improved patient throughput for some exams, benefiting the communities Southlake serves and the hospital’s dedicated healthcare professionals. For over 20 years, Southlake has relied on Philips imaging technology and services to maintain its MRI’s peak performance.
“Southlake serves some of the fastest growing and aging communities in Canada, and we are excited to introduce to them the new Philips Ambition X MR, which provides a more comfortable experience for patients, while also reducing scan times and improving image quality,” said Lisa Thain, MD, Staff Radiologist and Clinical Director of MRI at Southlake Health. “With this leading-edge technology, our teams will be able to provide faster, more confident diagnoses for patients – a win for everyone!”
With this leading-edge technology, our teams will be able to provide faster, more confident diagnoses for patients – a win for everyone!
Philips’ Ambition X MR with BlueSeal technology delivers superb image quality and performs MRI exams up to 3 times faster with Philips Compressed SENSE and SmartSpeed acceleration technologies [2]. Additional features such as MR Smart Workflow allow technologists to focus more on the patient while achieving high productivity with AI embedded in every step to simplify the path from image acquisition to diagnosis. Currently, Philips is the only helium-free scanner provider available in Canada with a 70 cm bore, eliminating the operational costs and downtime associated with traditional MRs [1]. A wider bore has resulted in patients reporting more comfortable exams and reduced feelings of claustrophobia.
As the population continues to grow and age, it is anticipated that the need for diagnostic imaging will increase beyond the over 20,700 MRI scans Southlake completed last year. The Ambition’s capabilities will help Southlake expand its imaging program to address growing demand for precise diagnostics and augment its cardiac care services by improving scheduling flexibility and efficiency. The Philips Ambition X MR with BlueSeal technology at Southlake is one of approximately 2,000 BlueSeal installations worldwide that collectively have saved 5 million liters of helium to date – a non-renewable and critical resource [1].
“Southlake Health’s desire to embrace the latest medical advancements available underscores its century-long commitment to delivering unmatched care,” said Darran Fischer, Managing Director, Philips Canada. “This collaboration reflects our shared dedication to keeping patients at the centre of everything we do. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of diagnostic imaging, bringing improved access to care to the communities of Northern York Region and Southern Simcoe County."
The implementation of this leading edge diagnostic technology at Southlake Health was made possible through the philanthropic investments and the unwavering commitment of organizations and community donors through the Southlake Health Foundation’s HERE is Where Cancer Meets its Match campaign.
Sources [1] Helium-free operations. 7 liters of helium is permanently enclosed in the cryogenic circuit.
Helium-free MRI BlueSeal technology - Philips
[2] Compared to Philips SENSE imaging
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