New MRI Ready for Patients
Lakes Regional Healthcare (LRH) recently installed a new magnetic resonance imaging system (MRI) and remodeled their MRI suite worth a total of approximately $1.7 million. MRI is used to detect structural or functional abnormalities throughout the body, including the joints, blood vessels, and brain.
The new MRI is a wide-bore MRI, which means it has a larger opening and a shorter tunnel than other MRIs. LRH Manager of Imaging Services Tracy Evans explained, “MRIs are available as wide-bore, closed-bore, or open. Closed-bore MRIs have longer tunnels, usually 6’ or longer, and have narrower openings. Open MRIs have no tunnels and a weaker magnet. LRH is the only healthcare provider in northwest Iowa to have a wide-bore MRI that offers the best possible patient experience while allowing for a high magnet strength, hence the clearest image.”
The hospital’s wide bore MRI offers several benefits, one of which is quicker exam times. The time spent in the new MRI may be reduced by 2/3 for most exams. In addition, the new MRI caters to larger or claustrophobic patients with a large opening (70 cm versus standard 61 cm) and short tunnel (3’11” versus 6’) compared to most MRIs on the market and in the region. Evans said, “Plus, most MRIs require the patient to go into the MRI head first. LRH’s system has most of the patients enter the MRI feet first, and most will never even have to have their head in the machine.”
Another benefit is the sound-dampening system the wide bore MRI will have. With the new technology, patients may bring in or pick their favorite music and listen to it while receiving their examination. Evans said, “The new equipment provides for a very relaxing examination. With other MRIs on the market, people hear loud thumping noises and feel trapped in a long tube. Both of these have been greatly diminished with the hospital’s new MRI.”
Those interested in learning more about LRH’s MRI are encouraged to talk to their physician or call 712-336-8658.
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