Monday, March 30, 2009
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Presbyterian Hospital is taking breast and body imaging to the next level with new MRI technology that offers faster and more detailed exams.
Presbyterian Hospital has completed installation of a 3 Tesla strength magnet at the hospital’s Charlotte campus. The hospital received Certificate of Need approval to upgrade an existing magnetic resonance imaging system to a 3 Tesla strength magnet in summer 2008. The new 3T GE magnet system is one of the first of a new generation of 3 Tesla magnets in the country.
The 3T magnet is twice as powerful as its predecessor offering earlier detection of cancer and more detailed imaging of small and difficult-to-read areas. In addition to providing clinicians with better quality images, the 3T will also reduce exam time for pediatric patients and will provide quick and accurate exams for time-sensitive treatment including stroke and cardiac care.
Of the 3T magnets available, Presbyterian Hospital selected a newly-released General Electric model that provides crisper signals, as well as higher resolution and fidelity. “The image quality provided by the GE 3T is similar to the difference between TV and HDTV,” said Erik Insko, MD, PhD, director of advanced cardiovascular imaging at Presbyterian Hospital. “The magnet we have selected will allow us to provide the most advanced imaging available to our patients.”
The new equipment offers cutting edge screening capabilities for a variety of groups, including women who are at a high risk for breast cancer. The 3T will also be a tool to detect other types of cancer and to conduct brain and cardiac imaging including congenital heart disease evaluation and coronary angiography.
