Healthcare Diagnostic Devices

Shortage Turning into Opportunity: The Helium-Free MRI Revolution 

Last Updated On : 10 Jul, 2025

Helium (He) is a lightest element on the earth, serving applications across multiple industries for various purposes. But the demand for Helium in medical field, especially in MRI systems, impacts the market position of the chemical element. Multiple types of MRI systems are available in the market, requiring assistance of Helium for operating the system as well as for service and maintenance purposes. It is used for cooling down the magnets in magnetic resonance imaging system by bringing the electrical resistance. Historically, U.S. has always been a dominating supplier of Helium by fulfilling 90% of global demand. 

Although the demand and supply balance of He is being maintained across the globe, there are some circumstances associated with resource depletion, and hence, the cost of Helium is also expected to fluctuate.

Scott Reeder, MD, chief of MRI at University of Wisconsin and president of the International Society for MR in Medicine said, This is a wake-up call that we need longer-term, cogent strategies to access affordable helium

Mahadevappa Mahesh, MS, PhD, professor of radiology and medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine said, “Geopolitical factors, shipping and supply chain issues all affected the availability of helium over the summer in 2023”.

Moreover, companies such as Koninklijke Philips N.V. have launched magnetic resonance imaging systems with very small amount of Helium requirement. These systems are bypassing the He requirement. This revolutionary development of Helium free magnetic resonance systems is expected to be the prompt solution over helium shortage issue.

The following updates highlight the current landscape of He for MRI systems:

  • March 2025: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi signed memorandum of understanding for collaborative research on medical devices such as magnetic resonance imaging systems.
  • February 2025: GE HealthCare introduced Freelium, a next-generation sealed magnet platform with reduced liquid helium usage.

Key Market Players Disconnecting MRI with Helium

  • As major market players such as GE HealthCare, Koninklijke Philips N.V., and Siemens Healthineers have brought new magnetic resonance imaging systems with less or nor requirement of Helium, it will act as a perfect solution over the issue of Helium shortage.
  • These He free MRI systems and shortage issues of He are promoting other manufacturers to invest in development of the systems. It will further result in availability of multiple systems with less requirement of Helium.
  • In addition, medical science institutes are collaborating to develop magnetic resonance imaging systems to the next level. Such initiatives are promoting researchers with an expected outcome of solutions over problems such as He shortages and high cost.

About the Author

Jay Mehta

Senior Research Analyst

Jay Mehta is a senior research analyst with over 4+ years of specialized experience in diagnostic and therapeutic devices, consumables and supplies, and pharmaceutical and clinical services outsourcing. He brings deep expertise in analyzing consumer behavior, providing valuable insights into patient and provider preferences to support effective product positioning. Jay’s role focuses on uncovering untapped growth opportunities and leveraging market intelligence to identify emerging trends and strategic areas for expansion.