Advanced Imaging: Milford Regional Installs New 3T MRI
Jan 28, 2016 01:48PM ● By Pamela Johnson
Milford Regional has one of the area’s first Siemens 3T MAGNETOM® Verio MRI scanners, which was recently installed at Dana Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center at Milford Regional, and is now fully operational.
With a magnet strength of 3 Tesla (3T), the MAGNETOM Verio is the strongest magnet field strength used clinically today. It gives Milford Regional physicians top-quality images providing minute details of the musculoskeletal system and neurological system, as well as cartilage, arteries, veins and breasts. Twice the strength of the machine it replaced, the new MRI is able to produce more detailed images than the previous 1.5 T MRI, including small details and better clarity. For instance with the new MRI, a scan of the knee can provide an image of the cartilage and meniscus that wasn’t visible before, and images of the spinal cord are dramatically clearer.
Images of the brain are also improved, allowing for detection of such things as plaque and lesions, which is key to diagnosing certain medical conditions like multiple sclerosis. The three- dimensional imaging has improved evaluation and detection of old strokes and previous brain trauma that a less powerful magnet could not detect. In addition, certain cancers can be seen earlier with this type of advanced imaging.
The technology within the machine also reduces the need for patients to be repositioned for certain scans. For instance, a spine scan which once required the patient to be adjusted several times can now be completed without having to pause for any adjustments.
The system’s large 70-cm opening means the machine is more spacious and comfortable for patients who may be claustrophobic and can accommodate a diverse array of patients including children, obese patients (up to 550 lbs.), and the elderly.
With a magnet strength of 3 Tesla (3T), the MAGNETOM Verio is the strongest magnet field strength used clinically today. It gives Milford Regional physicians top-quality images providing minute details of the musculoskeletal system and neurological system, as well as cartilage, arteries, veins and breasts. Twice the strength of the machine it replaced, the new MRI is able to produce more detailed images than the previous 1.5 T MRI, including small details and better clarity. For instance with the new MRI, a scan of the knee can provide an image of the cartilage and meniscus that wasn’t visible before, and images of the spinal cord are dramatically clearer.
Images of the brain are also improved, allowing for detection of such things as plaque and lesions, which is key to diagnosing certain medical conditions like multiple sclerosis. The three- dimensional imaging has improved evaluation and detection of old strokes and previous brain trauma that a less powerful magnet could not detect. In addition, certain cancers can be seen earlier with this type of advanced imaging.
The technology within the machine also reduces the need for patients to be repositioned for certain scans. For instance, a spine scan which once required the patient to be adjusted several times can now be completed without having to pause for any adjustments.
The system’s large 70-cm opening means the machine is more spacious and comfortable for patients who may be claustrophobic and can accommodate a diverse array of patients including children, obese patients (up to 550 lbs.), and the elderly.
