LANSING, Mich. — Hillsdale Hospital is now performing MRI scans as the first public hospital in the state to have new, cutting-edge Air™ Coil technology on a 1.5 Tesla magnet, the standard MRI strength for hospital care.
The Air™ Coil is like a camera used on dedicated body parts during an MRI scan. The new technology allows the camera to be flexible and feel more like a blanket laying over the patient, verses a rigid piece of equipment. The flexibility of the coil allows improved positioning for maximum patient comfort and the ability to scan larger areas of the body at one time.
“Our MRI upgrade allows us to offer high-tech imaging services right here in Hillsdale, using the most advanced technology available today,” Jamie Caldwell, medical imaging manager, said. “Our GE Signa Artist 128-channel was awarded the 2019 best new radiology device by AuntMinnie.com, a leading radiology source. It not only provides improved image quality, but is able to perform two new exams we could not previously offer: MR elastography, which is used to diagnose liver stiffness caused by disease, and prostate imaging, used to identify conditions like prostate cancer.”
In addition to the higher-quality images, the new MRI has upgraded features designed to make a patient’s experience more comfortable during their scan.
“Sometimes patients struggle, because their position makes them uncomfortable, they have claustrophobia, or the loud sounds of the MRI make them anxious,” Caldwell said. “This upgrade to our wide-bore MRI includes even more patient comfort measures, such as a wireless headset for music during your scan, noise reduction technology, and head first or feet first entrance into the scanner—patient’s choice. Now getting an MRI can be more comfortable and less stressful for our patients.”
These features are especially important for patients with pain, claustrophobia or other concerns that make it difficult for them to get through the entire MRI process. This can lead to repeat appointments to obtain a usable scan, delayed diagnosis of serious health conditions and overall frustration for the patient.
MRI appointments at Hillsdale Hospital are available seven days a week by appointment only with a physician order. For more information, visit hillsdalehospital.com/radiology [hillsdalehospital.com].
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