BMH Brings Latest MRI Technology to the Community

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is now offering patients the opportunity to undergo significantly more comfortable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams with the recent acquisition  of the Vantage™ MRI system made by Toshiba. Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the most accurate and advanced non-invasive imaging tests available today.

The updated MRI at BMH is designed to improve the patient experience with new, exclusive patient comfort features. These include an ultra-short bore platform, which offers greater openness for claustrophobic patients by minimizing the feeling of being inserted into a tube-like machine. In addition, the system is equipped with Toshiba’s patented Pianissimo™ noise reduction technology, which effectively reduces scan noise by as much as 90 percent.

“We are thrilled to have the new Vantage system and its technology available to our patients. Over the years, patients have had concerns with claustrophobia and overall comfort during MRI scans. Now, we can alleviate many of these issues,” said Lynne Cordery, Director of BMH Radiology. “The short-bore design also makes the system feel more open, and the quietness of this new instrument during scanning is more calming for the patient. When the patient is more at ease, we have greater success with the scan and capture better images to help the physician make a confident diagnosis.”
                                                           
In addition to its patient comfort features, the new BMH instrument is a high-field MRI system that performs a wide variety of non-invasive exams including the latest state-of-the-art imaging techniques. Using a magnetic field and a computer to construct your images, MRI technology is also used to identify tumor masses and other abnormalities in the head, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities, as well as to examine bone and joint injuries. Frequently, this type of diagnostic information cannot be acquired with any other medical procedure, except surgery.

"The Toshiba 1.5 T MRI unit was selected for its advanced patient comfort features, excellent image quality and advanced technology. Enhanced sensitivity and accuracy are essential for early detection and treatment of diseases," commented BMH radiologist Edward Elliott, MD.  "With the latest advanced angiography software, we are especially excited about the ability to perform MRI angiography - the evaluation of blood vessels - without the need for injecting contrast intravenously, especially for studying the brain, kidneys and extremities."

MRI is one of the safest imaging technologies available. By using magnetic fields and radio waves, MRI is able to provide excellent images of the body and without using x-rays. It greatly expands the ability to evaluate abnormalities and diseases affecting the patient. Highly trained and experienced MRI Technologists perform the 30 - 50 minute exams under the guidance of the board certified radiologists at BMH.
The new MRI scanner at BMH is housed in a completely redesigned, spacious enclosure, located next to the BMH Emergency Room, readily accessible for inpatients and outpatients. Days and hours of use have been expanded to Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. A referral from the patient's health care provider is required. A highly trained staff assists patients and their doctors' offices with scheduling and precertification and preauthorizations, as required by many insurance companies.