S2 E8 – MRI Quench Pipes: Engineering Challenges and Safety Solutions

Introduction

In this episode, Toby Gilk returns to discuss the intriguing and complex world of MRI technology. Learn about the role of superconductivity in MRI machines, the potential hazards of quench pipes, and the importance of proper design to prevent catastrophic failures. Toby explains how superconductivity allows MRI machines to operate efficiently without continuous power but also introduces risks if not managed correctly. Hear about real-world examples of quench pipe failures and the engineering solutions that mitigate these dangers, and gain insights into the latest advancements in MRI technology and how they impact safety protocols in healthcare facilities.

About Tobias Gilk

Tobias (Toby) Gilk, MRSO, MRSE, specializes in radiology/medical imaging design, consulting, safety, and risk management as senior vice president at RADIOLOGY-Planning, a division of JUNK Architects. Toby earned his M. Arch from the University of Kansas in 1997 and has spent essentially his entire architecture career in health care, particularly radiology/nuclear medicine, “with a specific fondness for MRI.” Toby is a founding board member and past chair of the American Board of Magnetic Resonance Safety (ABMRS) and has twice served on the American College of Radiology’s (ACR) MRI Safety Committee, coauthoring three of that group’s MRI safety publications. Toby is one of the founding partners of CAIREreporting.org, an MRI-specific, identity-protected, adverse event reporting platform, and the founder of Gilk Radiology Consultants, providing training and consulting services for radiology practices and device manufacturers. Toby currently serves as chair of the Remote Scanning Quality & Safety (RSQS) Council and serves as a member of FGI’s Health Guidelines Revision Committee.

Acronyms Mentioned 

ASHRAE – American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers  

FGI – Facility Guidelines Institute 

MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

NFPA – National Fire Protection Association 

NICU – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit 

AIA self-reporting LUs

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Sponsored by

American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE): Optimizing health care facilities