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Hospital Campus To Get 3T MR Imaging Scanner
The Hospital will soon be upgrading one of the existing 1.5T MR scanners to a state-of-the-art 3T magnet. Construction will begin in a few weeks, with the new high-field unit expected to be operational in early 2011.
The "T" in 3T refers to Tesla, a unit of magnet field strength. 3T is the strongest field strength currently in clinical MR use, this 60,000 times as powerful as Earth's magnetic field. Magnet strength is the most important technical factor affecting image quality, a stronger magnet providing a higher signal-to-noise ratio which allows for "crisper" and more detailed images. A 3T MR scanner is also extremely efficient as it needs relatively short scanning times, thus maximizing both patient comfort and image quality. The increased spatial resolution will both augment our current examinations and allow the pursuit of new imaging applications.
Commonly performed studies (eg, MR imaging of the brain, spine, breast, liver and pancreas as well as MR angiography) are decidedly better in image quality when performed at 3T. Other examinations that require the ability to assess fine detail - such as musculoskeletal studies of cartilage and small parts like the wrists, hands, ankles and feet - often demand such resolution simply to be diagnostic.
New applications available with the 3T magnet will include prostate MR imaging without the need for an endorectal coil, this not surprisingly a significant improvement in patient comfort. 3T prostate MR imaging is used at many institutions as part of the staging process for newly diagnosed cancer and also to assist in biopsy targeting for patients suspected of having the disease.
Another potential 3T application is functional MR imaging, or fMRI. This tool allows physicians to noninvasively conduct "brain mapping," pinpointing in detail areas of the brain which perform specific tasks such as speech and movement. This information is critical when planning brain surgeries which may impact tissue near vital anatomic areas.
Sagittal T2-weighted MR images of the same patient's lumbar spine performed on 1.5T (left) and 3T (right) MR scanners. Note the greater detail, more uniform signal and better tissue contrast obtained at the higher 3T field strength (image courtesy of Applied Radiology).
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Northwest Radiologists Continue To Promote Radiation Safety
In a recent front page story in nchscan, Dr. Allan Malmed, Medical Staff President and Vice Chair of Radiology, highlighted the three major steps we are utilizing to decrease patient radiation exposure from CT scanning without compromising image quality: decreasing dose, shielding radiosensitive tissues and narrowing the imaged anatomic area. The full article can be found by following this link.
Direct Radiologist Phone Number: 847.618.5834
In an effort to make contacting a Radiologist by telephone quick, simple and easy, we have created the "Radphone", a 21st century version of the Batphone. The Radphone is a wireless portable phone that will literally be attached to a Radiologist from 7AM to 11PM, seven days a week. By dialing 847.618.5834 (x5834 from in house), your call will be directly answered by a Radiologist, more often than not in a good mood but occasionally chewing on a sandwich or something. From 11PM to 7AM, the Radphone needs to be recharged, and we can instead be reached at 847.618.3950. If direct Radiologist contact is not needed, you are encouraged to call the Radiology Secretary (847.618.5850) or File Room/Radiology Records (847.618.5911).
The Radphone - x5834 - is modeled in concept after Commissioner Gordon's secure line to Bruce Wayne from the 1960s Batman television program. However, it looks just like a normal cellphone, nothing at all like the poorly Photoshopped prop above.
For more information about Northwest Radiology Associates, the services we provide and how to contact individual radiologists, please visit our web site: northwestradiologyassociates.com. You can also follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/northwestrads .
If you wish to be added to our distribution list, please email: ckalbhen@nch.org. We always welcome your questions and comments as well.
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