New MRI machine arrives at D.W. McMillan
Published 2:57 pm Tuesday, July 13, 2021
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D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital (DWM) announced that they have replaced their 18 year old MRI machine with a new Philips Ingenia 1.5T MRI Scanner. Patients and physicians now have access to the first-ever digital broadband magnetic resonance imaging system (MRI): the Ingenia 1.5T from Philips Healthcare.
The Ingenia 1.5T incorporates newer technologies designed to deliver exceptional image clarity in a shorter time compared to our old scanner. The new scanner will provide our radiologist and physicians precise, detailed images needed to diagnose anatomical and structural problems in the body. The shorter scan times will be beneficial for claustrophobic patients or patients with difficulty holding still for long periods. The average scan on the Ingenia takes 20 minutes.
“Because we now have this newer scanner means our patients can stay here for their MRI’s,” stated Shellie Scott, lead MRI Technologist. “Before there were certain procedures we were not able to do, but now we can do almost any type of MRI procedure.”
DW McMillan began offering MRI services in the late 1990’s, one day a week on a mobile unit. In 2003 the decision was made to purchase a machine and bring it in the building. Katherine McGill, Director of Radiology, stated the decision to bring MRI in house allowed DWM to expand services MRI services to 5 days/week.
“Patients no longer had to walk outside to the trailer for their MRI,” stated McGill.
Over the years advancements in MRI technology have improved not only image quality but the time required to scan the body part was reduced. The old MRI scanner served the hospital well but according to officials, the last few years it had become a challenge to find parts for repairs. Retirement of the old machine was inevitable.
This revolutionary machine is designed to quickly perform high-quality MR scans with a high level of patient comfort. Ingenia 1.5T can significantly reduce exam time and has a wide opening to accommodate patients of varying size, age, and physical condition. This makes Ingenia less confining than 60cm MR systems and a more attractive noninvasive imaging option for patients at DWM. In fact, most scans can be performed with the patient’s head entirely out of the opening, creating a better patient experience.
