Redefining Open MRI

For some patients, traditional MRI exams can be uncomfortable, claustrophobic experiences.  While conventional open bore MRI machines can increase patient comfort, they often provide less imaging power.  Now, Park Avenue Radiologists is pleased to introduce a revolutionary new open MRI, the MAGNETOM Espree, the only open bore MRI that combines the highest level of patient comfort with outstanding scanning power.  With the new Espree technology, there’s no need to sacrifice accuracy for comfort.  By combining an exceptionally spacious open bore with a short design and powerful performance, our new MRI maximizes comfort, precision and speed.   

Comfort

• One size fits all.  The extra-large open bore accommodates patients of any size.  
• Room to breathe.  A full foot of headroom means you don’t have to feel like you’re nose-to-nose with the magnet during your exam.
• A step ahead of other MRIs.  An ultra-short design gives you maximum open space.  Most exams can be done with your head outside the system. 
• Room to relax.  The spacious design gives you more headroom, legroom and elbowroom, so you don’t have to feel closed in.  It’s ideal for pediatric, elderly, anxious and plus-sized patients.

Precision

• Be confident.  The powerful 1.5 Tesla technology is an advanced diagnostic tool producing superior image quality.
• Fast and sure. State-of-the-art total imaging matrix technology increases accuracy and speed of diagnosis.

Speed

• Get home faster.  Advanced technology eliminates the need for patient repositioning and translates into shorter exam times so you can be up and out quicker. 

If you would like additional information on these procedures we recommend visiting the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) section of RadiologyInfo.org.

Park Avenue Radiologists has 2 state of the art 1.5 Tesla MRI’s. The ultra-short bore on the machine provides for the maximum openness and patient comfort without compromising clinical results. In addition, the table can be lowered to 18 inches from the floor for easier patient access. An enhanced intercom system includes a completely integrated stereo system for patient comfort and communication with the technologist. During the procedure the patient is able to talk to the technologist and is given an alert button to press in the event of discomfort. Earplugs and the ability to listen to music are offered to help pass the time and relieve anxiety. Patients may bring a CD of their preference for listening during the examination.

Our MRIs are continually upgraded and are enabled for multiple specialized applications including Breast Imaging and MRI Breast Biopsy, Peripheral MRA and Cardiac Imaging.

Preparation:

As with all radiological procedures patients should inform the technologist if there is any chance of pregnancy.

Nothing containing metal or wire can enter the MRI

Your physician may prescribe a tranquilizer in which case you must be accompanied by a companion.

How does it work?

MRI technology produces extremely detailed images of body tissue, organs and bones without the need for radiation. Electromagnetic energy is released when exposing a patient to radio waves in a strong magnetic field which is then measured and analyzed by a computer producing two and three dimensional images.

MRI has become a very valuable diagnostic tool detecting everything from cancer, heart and vascular disease, strokes, and disorders of the joints and musculoskeletal system. Of equal significance is the ability for physicians to avoid unnecessary surgery and more invasive diagnostic procedures.



How long does it take?

When having an MRI patients are required to lie on a sliding table and are positioned by the technologist depending on what part of the body is being scanned. It is very important that the patient remain still during the procedure. Different body parts require various position and length of time. A study can last any where from 15-45 minutes.

Certain studies require an injection of contrast to enhance the images of certain tissue and organs. This contrast is administered through the veins and is without any reaction or effects.


Recent developments have made MRI an important adjunct to ultrasound in the evaluation of the female pelvis. MRI is an effective problem-solving tool in patients with abnormal ultrasound examinations since the technology involved looks at the chemical signal characteristics of the organs of interest. The lack of ionizing radiation is particularly attractive in reproductive-age women. In addition, the multi-planar capabilities of MRI make this technology much more attractive than CT examinations in assessing the female pelvis.

Pelvic MRI may be an appropriate test in the pre-operative assessment of patients with uterine fibroids. The ability to image in all 3 planes allows us to distinguish submucosal from intramural fibroids in most cases. Simultaneous evaluation of the renal collecting systems and ureters eliminates the need for IVP after ultrasound. Moreover patients with a significant fibroid burden are difficult to evaluate by ultrasound given the attenuation of the ultrasound beam by the lesions. In cases where uterine artery embolization is contemplated, magnetic resonance angiography may be performed simultaneously for pretherapy planning.

MRI of the pelvis is also valuable in the workup of ovarian masses. The chemical signal characteristics of dermoid tumors differ from those of endometriomas, for instance, whereas both lesions may have an identical appearance in ultrasound. In cases where a complex cystic mass is identified, distinguishing ovarian neoplasm from complex cysts is crucial; contrast enhanced MRI is very helpful in this regard.

The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and is noninvasive, except for the requirement of an intravenous injection in cases where a suspicious ovarian mass is at issue.

MRI of the male pelvis is becoming increasingly important in the evaluation/staging of prostate cancer. Park Avenue Radiologists is at the forefront of noninvasive prostatic imaging. Our experience is enhanced by the addition of dynamic contrast enhanced imaging utilizing computer aided diagnostic software for assessment of vascular lesions.


Breast MRI has become an important adjunct to mammography and breast ultrasound in recent years. While mammography detects many breast cancers, its sensitivity is limited. Breast MRI uses molecular signals to look for cancers that may be too subtle to identify on mammography or ultrasound.

We are proud to announce that we recently began providing MRI guidance for core biopsy of lesions only visualized on breast MRI. This is important since very few outpatient facilities have this capability. While breast MRI is very sensitive, it can sometimes detect lesions that mammography and ultrasound cannot see. As such, the ability to perform breast MRI biopsies makes breast MRI much more clinically relevant and we are confident that virtually all lesions identified can be sampled.

Park Avenue Radiologists offers the latest coils and computer aided diagnostic (CAD) software for breast MRI to achieve the most accurate results.

Breast MRI may be an appropriate test in addition to mammography for patients with a strong family history of breast cancer (i.e., mother/ sister with breast cancer before age 50).

Breast MRI may also be helpful in patients recently diagnosed with breast cancer who desire breast conservation therapy or where there is concern for tumor recurrence versus scar. Non contrast breast MRI is also the best test to evaluate breast implant integrity.

Following placement in the MRI scanner, images are acquired before and following the injection of gadolinium. After the patient is imaged, computer processing of the images performs ‘subtraction’ of the pre-contrast images from the post-contrast images. This allows the radiologist to see cancers that mammography or ultrasound might not detect. The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes and is noninvasive, except for the requirement of an intravenous injection.


If you would like additional information on these procedures we recommend visiting the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) section of RadiologyInfo.org.