Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI or MR) is among the safest and most comfortable medical imaging procedures available.
With the ability to tailor the exam to a particular medical question and the unparalleled view it provides inside the body, MRI is the modality of choice for the diagnosis of many types of injuries and conditions.
MRI can image the major body groups including flowing blood in virtually any part of the body, muscle groups, tendons and ligaments, bones, central nervous system, and distinguish other possible areas of concern.
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Diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Diagnosing tumors of the pituitary gland and brain
- Diagnosing infections in the brain, spine or joints
- Visualizing torn ligaments in the wrist, knee and ankle
- Visualizing shoulder injuries
- Diagnosing tendonitis
- Evaluating masses in the soft tissues of the body
- Evaluating bone tumors, cysts and bulging or herniated discs in the spine
- Diagnosing strokes in their earliest stages
Utilizing a powerful magnet in conjunction with radio waves to cause tissues in the body to take on specific appearances, MRI allows the radiologist to isolate specific areas or systems for analysis and comparison to healthy tissue.
MRI can create axial images in the sagittal plane (slicing side-to-side lengthwise) and coronally (think of the layers of a layer cake) or any degree in between, without the patient ever moving.
Alaska Open Imaging Centers feature the Opart and Airies ll MRI systems, “open-paneled” technology that provide the maximum level of patient comfort while maintaining high standards in imaging quality.
Alaska Open Imaging Center MRI systems have the capability for diffusion imaging, MR angiography and MR venography, as well as most pulse sequences found on the larger and faster, high-field, closed-bore scanners. They also provide advanced imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), precise and highly detailed images of the arteries in the brain, neck, abdomen and lower extremities, without the invasive techniques and risks of catheter angiography.
With their unique cantilevered "C-shape", our Open MRI provide a feeling of airiness and space for improved patient comfort, especially for patients who suffer from claustrophobia or whose size doesn't permit them to utilize closed-bore scanners.
The facility in Fairbanks offers the newest ultra short-bore, open design high field MRI. The Toshiba Vantage offers patented Pianissimo Technology which reduces acoustic noise by as much as 90% over other closed bore scanners. Noise associated with MRI is one of the most significant causes of patient discomfort.
The Vantage offers advanced imaging techniques such as MR Spectroscopy and Speeder Parallel Imaging. MR Spectroscopy uses graphs created from the MR signal to study abnormalities of the brain whereas MRI provides pictures of the brain. Spectroscopy can be used to determine biochemical composition of the brain tumors and enables the radiologists to more accurately distinguish benign tumors from cancerous ones. Speeder Parallel Imaging allows for faster imaging without compromising image quality.
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Toshiba Vantage High Field MRI
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At Alaska Open Imaging Centers, a typical MRI exam consists of several different imaging sequences, each one having unique characteristics that allow the radiologist to distinguish normal tissues from injured tissue.
During the MRI, patients are required to remain completely still during each imaging sequence, which may last 6 to 8 minutes or a total of 35 to 60 minutes. This is a painless procedure, and patients often nap or relax during these tests, with their choice of music to help pass the time.
Alaska Open Imaging Centers in Anchorage, Wasilla, Soldotna, and Fairbanks, are designed with patient comfort in mind. Our MR suites are large and airy, where patients may relax and listen to their favorite CD or radio station while undergoing their exams. Our technologist will make every effort to make even the most anxious patient comfortable including oral sedation under the guidance of our radiologists.
Patients who have the following may not undergo MR imaging:
- Pacemakers/defibrillators or pacing wires
- Brain aneurysm clips (the newer clips may be MR compatible. The surgeon should be able to provide any documentation regarding the composition of the clip)
- Metal fragments in one or both eyes
- Inner ear implant
- Spinal or brain stimulators
There is no special preparation for an MRI exam. You should wear comfortable clothing such as a sweat-suit without metal snaps for zippers. Sweat-suits are available if needed.
Remove all hairpins. Jewelry and watches must not be worn in the MRI scan room. It is best to leave your jewelry at home. If you are going to have an MRI of the abdomen or pelvis do not eat 3 hours prior to your exam. |
