We are proud to announce the addition of a GE Signa EXCITE HDx 3.0T MR System, a state-of-the-art high definition magnetic resonance (HDMR) scanner. This advanced imaging technology will operate at a magnetic field strength of 3 Tesla, twice that of existing MRI systems. Radiologists will be able to capture more detailed images of anatomy and pathology, and evaluate a wide range of patient conditions, including stroke, musculoskeletal and heart disease. The HDx 3.0T MR system provides outstanding image quality for a confident diagnosis, and is available at no additional charge over existing MRI systems.

Some of the procedures that the 3T MRI system will particularly benefit include:

• MR angiography
• Neurological/brain imaging
• Spine studies
• Orthopedic – including elbow, wrist, hip, knee, foot and ankle
• Prostate
• Pelvis – Male and Female
• Abdominal
• Functional imaging, spectroscopy, and brain fiber tracking

Click here to see installation photos of the 3T MRI

SWDIC also features three 1.5 Tesla MRI systems - the Siemens MAGNETOM Espree Open MRI, Siemens Sonata 1.5 Tesla MAGNETOM, and Siemens Symphony 1.5 Tesla MAGNETOM.

The Open MRI system is the first open bore 1.5 Tesla MRI system on the market today. It features a bore opening of 70 cm in diameter with almost one foot of distance between the patient’s head and the MRI magnet, and delivers an image quality not seen before in Open MRI.

All of our MRI systems are patient-friendly. Each one provides a quick scan and offers a wide-bore. The concept of a wide-bore gives the patient a more open feeling, reducing the likelihood of claustrophobia and improving patient acceptance.

MRI Imaging Software
All of our MRI systems are equipped with the latest software that offers many mode and viewing options that include: the ability to reconstruct and rotate images in 3-D; Neuro Imaging (Flair) to show soft tissue of the brain differently to diagnose MS, infarcts, and ischemic changes; and special Cardiac Imaging software to display the operation of the heart. At SWDIC, we are able to perform a comprehensive cardiac exam in a single study, including morphology, myocardial viability, and cardiac function. These systems are also capable of Echo Speed Imaging, Tissue Spectroscopy, Angiography, Diffusion and Perfusion Weighted Imaging, and Blood Oxygen Level Dependent Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (BOLD MRI).

Quality Control
An excellent Quality Control Program for equipment and processors is maintained with phantom checks conducted on all machines to make sure they are in proper calibration. The Invivo System, an advanced patient monitoring device, is used to observe and monitor the patient inside the magnet. SWDIC’s MRI safety policy and procedures support patient safety to the highest level of standards set forth by the American College of Radiology. We use only MRI safe equipment, including MRI safe anesthesia equipment.

Breast MRI
SWDIC offers Breast MRI which is both valuable in assessing known breast lesions and useful as an adjunct to Mammography in patients with known breast cancer, mammographically dense breasts, or women with breast implants. In addition, SWDIC has a Suros ATEC MRI breast biopsy system, allowing for an MRI-guided, vacuum assisted breast biopsy.

Contrast-Enhanced MRA
SWDIC also offers contrast-enhanced MRA of all vascular structures. The contrast used in this quick, non-invasive procedure is non-nephrotoxic, does not require arterial access, and there is no ionizing radiation.

Click here to view the Exam Preparations for this procedure.