169 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905
Phone: 607-798-5225
What is MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure that
uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and sophisticated computers to
produce a series of detailed images of the body's organs and
structures.
Lourdes is proud to be the only MRI facility in the area to
offer the option of high-field, high resolution imaging on two
types of magnets - a traditional 1.5Tesla (T) short-bore
magnet and a 1.2T open (bore-less) magnet that provides patient
comfort for those who might be anxious or claustrophobic, and it
allows constant parent-child contact for even the smallest
patient.
Short-Bore MRI
The GE Signa® Excite HD 1.5T MRI
machine was the first 1.5T high definition MR imaging system. It is
a high-field imaging system that provides improved image clarity
and enhanced clinical applications, compared to conventional MRI
scanners. The GE Excite HD provides high-resolution breast MR,
angiography, fat-saturation, diffusion, and routine scanning, in
shorter, more comfortable scan times.
The GE Excite HD is a short-bore
imaging system, which means that the scanning area is up to 50
percent shorter and about 5 percent wider than conventional MRI
systems. This allows most patients the ability to see more of the
room and less of the MRI machine, which helps reduce feelings of
claustrophobia.
Open MRI
(Bore-Less)
The Hitachi Oasis High-Field Open MRI
System is the newest technology available at Lourdes. At 1.2T, the
Oasis is the most powerful whole body Open MR magnet available. It
produces high resolution images with short scan times, and its
image quality is optimized by coil technology that conforms to the
part of the body being scanned.
A major advantage of the
new Oasis MRI System is its patient friendly design. The open or
bore-less design features a 270 degree viewing angle, giving
patients an unobstructed view of the room and family/loved-ones
present for support. This allows claustrophobic, obese, and
pediatric patients a more comfortable MRI experience with less
anxiety. Soft lighting is also used to further enhance the openness
of the Oasis.
The Oasis features a wide patient table with the capability of
left to right motion to allow comfortable, easy positioning, and
the best image quality. The table also lowers to allow easier
access for wheelchair dependent patients.
How does MRI differ from other diagnostic procedures, such as
x-ray, computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT) scanning, or
nuclear medicine studies?
All diagnostic imaging procedures provide information about the
form and/or function of the body. MR images typically contain
greater information about the body's soft tissue than other
procedures. This means that MRI can provide highly detailed
anatomical images of the body. Additionally, the trained medical
professionals responsible for acquiring MR images can easily
produce them with varying contrast, showing many different planes
of the body with functional information, such as blood flow.
In contrast to x-ray, CT scanning, and nuclear medicine, MRI
provides diagnostic information without the use of radiation or
radioactive substances. MRI is a non-invasive procedure, and there
are no known side/after effects.
What can MRI be used to diagnose?
The images obtained through MRI can be used to diagnose many
conditions or monitor the progress of treatment for diseases.
Because MRI can see through bone and clearly define soft tissue, it
can be used to make a diagnosis in some areas that x-rays
cannot.
MRI can be used on all parts of the body and is effective in the
clinical evaluation of:
- Brain Disorders
- Knee and Shoulder Injuries
- Traumatic Injuries
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Eye Abnormalities
- Facial/Neck Abnormalities
|
- Spine Diseases
- Infections
- Tumor Detection
- Cardiac Malformations
- Liver and Other Abdominal Diseases
- Blood Flow and Vessel Disorders
|
How does MRI work?
MR images are formed when signals emitted by body tissue are
processed by computer software and turned into clinical images.
Signals from the body are generated using a safe magnetic field in
combination with radio waves of a specific frequency. The MRI
signals are detected and converted to a form the computer can
understand. The computer processes the MRI signals from the body to
form MR images. Different tissue characteristics are revealed
through this process and translated into different contrast levels
on the MR images. The trained physician can then view the MR images
and form a clinical diagnosis.
How do I prepare for the MRI?
No special preparation is required prior to the MRI exam. You
may eat normally and go about your daily routine. Continue to take
any medication prescribed by your doctor unless otherwise
directed.
Prior to entering the scan room for your exam, you will be asked
to leave items that are not compatible with a magnetic field in a
safe place outside the scan room. Some of these items are listed
below:
- Coins
- Hearing aids
- Jewelry
- Keys
- Watches
|
- Hair pins
- Glasses
- Other metal objects
- Credit cards
|
You may also be asked to remove make-up and dentures and to wear
a hospital gown to avoid magnetic interference from belt buckles
and zippers.
What to Expect
On the day of the exam, report to Registration on the ground
floor, near the Ozanam entrance, to register.
You must remove any metallic objects such as body piercings,
hairpins, glasses, jewelry, non-permanent dentures, etc. Rings need
not be removed. All personal items and clothing removed will be
secured in a locker.
Once you are situated on the table, make sure you are
comfortable as possible so that it is easy to remain still for the
duration of the examination. Breathe normally.
As the scan begins, the table will slide into the portion of the
machine that contains the magnet. The part of the body being imaged
will be in the middle of the scanner. Once the examination has
begun, you will not feel anything but you will hear knocking,
jackhammer-like sounds that represent changes in the magnetic
field. This is a normal part of the imaging process.
During the exam, you must remain completely still. If your
physician has requested, you may be injected with a contrast medium
to enhance the part of the body being studied and to provide the
radiologist with some additional information.
Scanning time is 15-30 minutes on the average; however, total
time for an MRI can take up to one hour in specific situations.
When the scan is completed, the images are reviewed for quality and
provided they are acceptable, you will be discharged.
MRI is performed by a highly skilled technologist and studied by
a radiologist with specialized training in the field of MRI, who
will then provide a written report of the findings to your
physician. If you have any questions about the MRI, please call
607-798-5023.
CAUTION
Patients with cardiac pacemakers, with metal slivers in
their eyes, or who have specific implanted devices cannot be
scanned. Any woman who is pregnant, or thinks she might be, should
advise her doctor before proceeding with this exam.
For additional information about
Diagnostic Imaging services at Lourdes, call
607-798-5225.
