Not many people enjoy spending 45 minutes in a dark, noisy and highly confined tube. And those with claustrophobia only have to hear the term “MRI” to feel anxious.

Yet, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides physicians with one of the best possible views inside the human body.

In a picture-perfect world, physicians would get the best images possible to diagnose and treat disease while patients receive the fastest, most comfortable experience. Blue Mountain Health System recently purchased a new Vantage MRI system that offers both.

Quieter and Faster
The Vantage MRI system has replaced the traditional narrow tube with a wider, less enclosed space. Patients can actually see the other side, which minimizes the fear in most people. The image itself takes about half the time to capture. The machine also employs state-of-the-art noise reduction technology to improve the overall experience for the patient.

“Instead of radiation, this machine uses short, powerful magnets that allow us to get high quality images quickly,” says Lois Richard, director of Imaging Services. “We can actually see a tear in a ligament, for example.”

MRI is used primarily to diagnose stroke and cancer as well as orthopedic issues. A CT scan is often a sufficient and even a preferable first step in diagnosing certain conditions.

Blue Mountain Health System also purchased a scanner that can produce precise images in a very short time, even of rapidly moving organs such as the lungs and heart.

“The new CT scan can capture images of any area of the body within seconds,” Ms. Richard notes. “This can actually save lives. If we have several trauma patients at the same time, we can assess their injuries and start treatment in a matter of minutes rather than hours.”