More sensitive, patient-friendly MRI at NGMC

GAINESVILLE - Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) is now offering the region's highest precision open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine.

This system, in place at The Imaging Center on Sims Street, allows patients to be scanned faster than any other commercially available open MRI system and provides for a more patient-friendly experience.

"The Imaging Center at NGMC has continued to lead the region in offering the most advanced diagnostic imaging modalities such as breast and cardiac MRI," said Debbie Duke, director of Imaging Services at NGMC. "Our new open MRI machine is no exception. NGMC now offers both the region's most powerful MRI, the 3T, as well as the most powerful and precise open MRI, the 0.7T."

The new system, the Signa® OpenSpeed EXCITE from GE Healthcare, uses a
super-conductive 0.7T magnet to produce diagnostic images of anatomy. It combines the immense power of MRI technology in a comfortable system design that accommodates the needs of all patients, including large patients (up to 500 pounds) and those who suffer from claustrophobia or anxiety.

According to GE, it is estimated by physicians that up to 10 percent of all exams using traditional MRI systems are abandoned due to patient anxiety or claustrophobia. NGMC's new open MRI offers a more accommodating table and a clearer view to help calm patient anxieties and reduce the need for patient sedation procedures. Since patient comfort is a priority with this new machine, it even has modules set up for each patient to individually adjust ventilation and lighting during their exam.

Developed in the 1980's, MRI utilizes computers and magnetic fields to provide
safe and non-invasive images of the human anatomy. Unlike X-rays and CT scans,
MRI uses no radiation. It creates images using powerful, superconducting magnets to generate magnetic fields up to 8,000 times stronger than that of the Earth.

In addition to providing traditional MRI capabilities such as MR angiography, contrast enhanced studies and knee, shoulder, ankle, spine and brain imaging, the new high field open MRI scanner has the potential to be utilized in pediatric cases.

"Imaging Services at NGMC continues to place great importance on ensuring that our patients have a convenient and comfortable experience," Duke said.

"It is our goal to provide friendly and responsive service, which is why we have invested resources to provide a more precise imaging solution for our patients, especially those who suffer from claustrophobia or obesity."

For more information, visit http://www.nghs.com.