MRI Availability in the Emergency Department
Rhode Island Hospital’s Andrew F. Anderson Emergency Center is the only emergency department in New England to feature an MRI system located within the department. A rarity in an emergency setting, the state-of-the-art MRI unit is capable of a wide range of functions with the goal of faster, more informed treatment decisions and patient safety.
Introducing MRI Capabilities
John J. Cronan, MD, radiologist-in-chief, and Matthew Siket, MD explain the benefits of having an MRI unit in the Rhode Island Hospital emergency department, a rarity in hospitals.
On-Site Imaging Services
In addition to the MRI unit, the emergency center’s diagnostic imaging system also includes three x-ray suites, six trauma room overhead x-ray systems, a dedicated ultrasound suite, and two 64-slice CT scanners.
The emergency center offers imaging capabilities in one location, which helps to ensure that patients are scanned promptly and safely and proper treatment decisions can be made quickly and efficiently.
Emergency Medicine Medical Imaging
The MAGNETOM Aera MRI system delivers greater image resolution.
The Machine in Detail
The MAGNETOM Aera MRI system is a 70-centimeter Tim+Dot system, representing the latest in 1.5T imaging. The system delivers greater image resolution and an imaging distance of up to 205 centimeters. It has the ability to support large anatomic coverage, such as combining head, neck, body and spine coil elements to create a neurovascular array.
The spacious 70-centimeter open bore accommodates a variety of patient sizes, shapes and conditions, and the short magnet allows many studies to be completed with the patient’s head outside the bore. The table holds up to 550 pounds and offers easy patient transport, comfort for immobile patients and flexibility in emergency situations. This makes it especially useful for pediatric patients, ICU patients and those dependent on medical equipment.