Health Imaging & IT - May 2008 - (Page 62)

Multifunction MRI: The 1.5T Workhorse 1.5T magnet design has continued to improve as have the openness of the system bores, allowing access and comfort for a more wide-spread patient base. High-field, open-bore MRI is growing rapidly, promising faster scan times and improved patient comfort. Siemens Medical Systems’ Magnetom Espree 1.5T MR system is one example of the next-generation 1.5T systems, with a 70-cm bore and magnet size of approximately 125cm long. This allows more than 70 percent of exams to be completed with the patient’s head outside of the bore. New York’s Zwanger Pesiri Radiology Group, a state-of-the-art radiology group serving central Long Island, provides the latest imaging technologies the field has to offer, including digital x-ray, digital mammography, 64-slice CT, PET/CT and SPECT. The group uses a combination of MRI systems: eight 1.5T and four 3T scanners. An equal amount of studies are done on each magnet, says Medical Director Steve Mendelsohn, MD. Six of the 1.5T machines are Sie[ AurorabIOPSY, an integrated MR-guided biopsy system allows for mens Espree open-bore magnets. multiple targets in the same breast or both breasts in a single procedure. ] “We can fit a patient who is up to 500 pounds into the magnet comfortably, accomThe 1.5T system—what Smith calls the modating very obese patients,” explains gold standard in MR imaging today—plays Mendelsohn. “We also can make claustroa steadfast role in patient care at the center. phobic patients more comfortable because Even though 3T systems can scan faster or there is much more room around them. This at higher resolution than their 1.5T couneases their anxiety significantly.” Also, terparts, the proven, reliable imaging patients who are more comfortable in the strength and quality of 1.5T systems is what magnet are less likely to move, allowing for a everybody compares everything else to, says motion-free scan. Smith. “The 1.5T is the standard in the While the 3T and 1.5T MR systems are sense that the majority of the protocols and used to image “just about everything,” Mencoils have been developed for that field delsohn says that 1.5T is still a very robust strength,” he explains. magnet for cardiac imaging. However, the In addition to cost, there are a number of magnets are used complementary. “Three reasons 1.5T maintains its strong foothold. Tesla systems are significantly more expenOne challenge of higher strength magnets is sive,” says Mendelsohn. “Routine work such interaction with certain implants such as as body imaging may be done at 1.5T, while stents, clips and shunts. “It is very well estabmore complicated neurology cases may be lished at 1.5T which devices are compatible done at 3T. However, economics are real and and which ones are not,” says Smith. 62 Health Imaging & IT | May 2008 about 60 to 70 patients daily. The center utilizes numerous Philips Medical Systems’ MR systems including an Achieva 1.5T system, an Achieva 3T, a Panorama high-field open system and the Achieva 1.5T XR that is rampable to 3T. “We have a very diverse referral base,” says MRI supervisor Robert Smith, BS, RT(R)(MR)(CT). “We are big into everything from breast MRI to oncology, body imaging, orthopedics, brain imaging and diffusion and perfusion scanning.” opening up you have to accept it. The 1.5T MR system is a very good, solid workhorse. ” advancing breast mri Steven Harms, MD, is a breast radiologist at The Breast Center of North West Arkansas. In 2005, the facility became the first in the state to install a dedicated breast MRI machine, Aurora Imaging Technology’s 1.5T dedicated breast MRI system with bilateral three-dimensional spiral Rodeo technology. Harms emphasizes that from the beginning, the center dedicated itself to offering patients the most advanced technologies for imaging breast disease, such as digital mammography and breast MRI. Today, the medical center handles most of the breast MRI studies in a 100-mile radius. “We rapidly established a standard of high quality in the community, and this has increased our referral base tremendously,” says Harms. Studies show that breast MRI is one of the most sensitive methods for detecting breast cancer and often finds disease that cannot be found by conventional imaging methods. The Breast Center uses breast MRI in conjunction with ultrasound and mammography, giving radiologists the most information possible for accurate diagnosis. “The Aurora system is integrated at our center,” says Harms. “We can do a mammogram, breast MRI, ultrasound and biopsy on a patient on the same day. Not only is this better for patients, but the radiologists have access to all of the images and can read them that same day.” The breast MRI system is designed specifically for breast intervention, with integrated CAD (computer-assisted detection) and biopsy capabilities. “Dedicated Breast MRI provides quality and commitment to breast imaging,” say Harms. “You only image the breast and no other body part.” Radiologists get high-quality, accurate imaging examinations; while patients also receive a high-quality of care. “We are the largest breast center in the area, as well as the second largest in the state,” adds Harms. “The main reason for this is quality—people are driven to get the best quality of care.” HealthImaging.com http://HealthImaging.com

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Health Imaging & IT - May 2008 Contents On the Web The Enterprise News Update Convention Spotlight: SIIM 2008 Healthcare IT Salary Survey Survey Findings Inside the Transition to Next-Generation Image Management Blurring the Lines: Interfaced vs. Integrated RIS/PACS The Insider's Primer: Taming the Workflow Beast - Five Facilities Tell How Availability, Applications Drive New Archive Strategies Modality Review Managing Technology Inside Technology Reader's Resource Stat Sheet

Health Imaging & IT - May 2008

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