Equipment - Diagnostic Imaging Services at the Brandon Regional Health Centre purchased a Symphony, MR scanner from the Siemens Company. The scanner is a 1.5 Tesla, short bore, super conductive magnet. It requires no electricity to run, but must be continuously cooled with liquid helium. The MR scanner was built in Germany, flown to Chicago and then transported by truck to the BRHC.
Funding - The purchase and installation for the new MRI unit involved a commitment of more than $6 million in capital investment and an additional $1 million in annual operating funding from Manitoba Health.
MR exams - As of May 10, 2004 the MRI technologists have been scanning patients requiring an exam. There are 3 technologists working in this department, Monday through Friday. Approximately 12 patients per day are currently being screened, oriented and scanned between 0800 hrs and 1615 hrs. All patients must be thoroughly screened before they are able to have an MR exam. A technologist does this screening process before the patient is determined 'safe' to have the procedure done.
Any patient that has a pacemaker will not be permitted to have an MR exam. Also, patients who have any history of aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, prostheses, shrapnel or bullets, tattoos, body piercings, transdermal patches, etc. will have to be thoroughly screened before entering the MR scan room.
Four of the Radiologists, from the Westman Radiology Group, read the images generated by the MR scanner and dictate reports, which are sent to the patient’s physician.
The following provides examples of the variety of exams, which can be carried out:
- Musculoskeletal exams
- Abdominal exams including Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP’s)
- Central Nervous System exams
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA exams)
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MRI
