Thornander, Sophie., Nande, Sachin., Carver, Diana E., Thiel, Cassandra L., Struk, Olesya., Scheel, John R., & Omary, Reed A. (2025). The Financial and Environmental Benefits of Circular Business Models for MRI. Journal of the American College of Radiology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacr.2025.09.024
This study looked at how different ways of acquiring MRI scanners affect both costs and environmental impact at a U.S. academic medical center. We compared the conventional linear model—buying a brand-new MRI scanner—with circular models, which involve either upgrading an existing scanner on site or purchasing a refurbished one. We assessed the total cost of ownership for the hospital and measured environmental impact by looking at greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the amount of materials used.
The results showed that circular models can significantly reduce costs and environmental impact. Total ownership costs dropped by up to 21%, GHG emissions fell by up to 8% using the regular energy grid (and by 37% using a clean energy grid), and material use decreased by up to 92%. Upgrading an existing scanner on site provided the biggest benefits because it reuses key components.
Overall, these findings suggest that circular MRI business models can save money, reduce environmental impact, and conserve valuable materials. Hospitals may benefit from considering on-site upgrades or refurbished scanners before buying completely new equipment. This approach could also offer financial and environmental advantages for other types of medical imaging devices.
Fig. 2
Percentage total cost of ownership and environmental impact comparison of linear versus circular MRI. CO2 eq = CO2 equivalent; GHG = greenhouse gas.