NEW DIMENSION IN OPEN MRI AND PATIENT COMFORT

Posted on: 04/14/2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nicole Crawford
 Windsong Radiology Group
 (716) 631-2500 ext. 140
 ncrawford@windsongradiology.com

Williamsville, NY.  April 14, 2006 - Windsong Radiology Group has installed an Open Bore, 1.5 Tesla, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system that combines a larger bore, or opening, for obese and claustrophobic patients with the ability to capture high-field quality diagnostic images.

 “This is going to increase our efficiency and patient convenience,” says Anthony Foti, Radiologist, Windsong Radiology Group.  “The patient-friendly design of this magnet will make it easier for large patients and those with claustrophobia to have a MRI examination which produces higher quality images. This will potentially reduce the need to repeat and interrupt exams.”

 “Certainly, all patients deserve the same access to innovative medical imaging technology used for visualization, diagnosis and treatment planning of cancer, diabetes, heart and vascular disorders and other diseases associated with obesity,” says Nancy Gillen, president of the MR Division of Siemens Medical Solutions.

Since two-thirds of American adults are overweight, the health-care industry is challenged to accommodate these larger patients with imaging systems that were designed for people who weigh much less. Currently, patients too large to fit inside the bore of a high-field MRI magnet have image studies done in open MRI systems with low-field magnets. This limits the diagnostic usefulness of the images obtained. The field strength of a magnet is measured in units of Tesla – the higher the number, the higher the field strength. The higher the field strength, the better the quality of images produced.

Claustrophobic patients present another challenge for MRI systems. They can be sedated, adding to their inconvenience and the time it takes to schedule and perform an exam.

The Siemens Medical Solutions MAGNETOM Espree installed at Windsong Radiology Group features a bore opening of nearly 2.3 feet in diameter and almost one foot of free space between a patient’s head and the magnet. The Espree also features the shortest 1.5 Tesla magnet available. Approximately four feet long, the magnet allows more than 60 percent of exams to be completed with the patient’s head outside the bore, helping to ease claustrophobia.

The new system provides up to four times more signal-to-noise ratio over traditional open MR designs, which is desirable in imaging larger patients. In addition, the Espree can perform advanced clinical applications in less time, because it combines strong gradient performance with Siemens’ Total imaging matrix (Tim™) technology. Tim is the first whole body surface coil design that enables the highest resolution images in a shorter acquisition time. Tim coils are very light, making them both easy to position and tolerate when scanning larger patients, improving cooperation.

The MAGNETOM Espree provides best patient comfort and high-quality images and diagnostic confidence for all types of patients.

The Windsong Radiology Group was founded in 1987 and has a radiologic team to 13 physicians.  The Windsong Radiology Group provides a full range of diagnostic imaging services, including Mammography, Ultrasound, Bone Density, X-Ray, CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine and Western New York’s first PET/CT scanner for cancer imaging.  For full information on the Windsong Radiology Group, please visit www.windsongradiology.com or contact Nicole Crawford at 716-631-2500 ext. 140.