|
The "open" MRI produces diagnostic results, but may
not be appropriate for every medical circumstance. Your physician,
along with the Radiologist, can decide which MRI scanner will be best
suited for your diagnosis.
What
can I expect during my MRI exam?
A technologist will help you lie down on a cushioned table
where you will remain for the duration of the procedure. He or she
will be in constant contact with you during the procedure. You should
experience no sensations during the scan, but you will hear a thumping
sound. You should relax and lie as still as possible. Any movement
during this time will blur the picture. When the exam is done, the
technologist will assist you off the table.
Open MRI
Sarasota Memorial has installed the
region's first Open Bore magnetic resonance imaging system (MRI) that
combines a larger bore, or opening, and the ability to capture
high-field quality diagnostic images.
The extra-large MRI accommodates
patients of all sizes, including the obese, elderly and children, and
is perfect for those who get anxious during an MRI. With one foot of
head room,
claustrophobic patients will no longer feel like they're nose-to-nose
with the top of the magnet. Due to its short design, 60 percent of
exams can be done with the patient's head outside of the system.
The Espree can perform advanced clinical
applications in less time, because it combines strong gradient
performance with 1.5T quality images, so patients can rest easy inside
and physicians can rely on a confident diagnosis.
Open Bore MRI
Learn more about our new
Open Bore MRI designed to accommodate all types of patients.
Quality, Accuracy and Patient Comfort, too!
How
long does an MRI take?
Depending on the complexity of the exam, an MRI scan takes an
average of 45 - 60 minutes per body part imaged.
Do I
need to prepare for the exam?
No special preparation is needed. Eat normally and take
medication as usual, unless your physician has given you instructions
otherwise. You may find it easier to relax if you avoid drinking
coffee or other caffeinated beverages before the exam.
Is
there any risk?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is very safe. There are no
health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves
used by the scanner, as long as certain safety criteria are met. It
is, therefore, important for you to tell us if any of the following
apply to you.
Do you have --
- a pacemaker?
- an artificial heart valve?
- an inferior vena cava filter?
- an implanted cardiac defibrillator?
- any neurostimulators in your body?
- metal implants such as plates and pins?
- aneurysm brain clips?
- an intrauterine device (IUD), such as Copper-7
IUD?
- any other metal objects in or on your body?
- Do you wear any medication patches(hormones,
nicotine, birth control)?
- an insulin pump or other infusion pump?
- previous gun wound, any shrapnel or bullets in
your body?
- inner ear implants?
- permanent (tattoo) eye-liner?
- Have you ever been a metal/iron worker or
worked with sheetmetal?
- ever been struck in the eyes with metal
shavings?
- ever been wounded during military service?
- had any head or brain surgery?
- Do you weigh more than 300 pounds (for the
"closed" MRI) or more than 440 pounds (for the
"open" MRI)?
- Are you claustrophobic?
- Are you pregnant?
If you have answered YES
to any of these questions, please call (941)917-7725 and speak to a
technologist.
Will
I need an injection?
In most cases an MRI exam does not require any injections. In
some situations, however, an intravenous contrast material may be
required to enhance certain areas of the body. All contrast materials
utilized are FDA-approved and considered safe. Very anxious patients
and small children may be given a sedative to help them relax and lie
still during the exam.
For scheduling and additional information about this service, please
call: 941-917-7322
__________________________________________
*
Please be aware that when you receive radiology services, you are
billed for services rendered in part by Sarasota Memorial Health
Care System Radiology Services for the actual imaging, as well as
SMH Radiology Associates for the interpretation of the images. If
you have any questions or concerns about your bill, please feel free
to call SMH Radiology Associates Billing Office toll free at
1-866-237-2465 or Sarasota Memorial Patient Financial Services at
941-917-1540 for questions concerning your bills.
(updated 10/05 gem)
|
