MRI
We offer two types of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - high field MRI and open MRI. Both are quick, safe and accurate ways to create detailed images of the interior of your body. MRI uses both a magnetic field and radio waves to make these images. The main difference you 
might notice about the MR scanners is their physical appearance. The high field MRI surrounds the body like a hoop. The open MRI projects out and over the body. The imaging is painless in both scanners.
Before Making Your Appointment
Because of the presence of a strong magnetic field, we must be made aware of any metal that has been surgically or accidentally placed in your body. Therefore, an accurate history is needed. We would like to know if you have any of the items listed below:
* Any brain, ear or heart surgery
* Brain aneurysm clips
* Cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator
* Ear implants
* Pregnancy – known or possible
* History of working with metal (metal workers, welding, grinding, machinist)
* History of metal fragments in eye
* Dentures (held in place with magnets)
* Diabetic insulin pump (implanted)
* Neurostimulators
* Penile prosthesis
* Shrapnel or gunshot wound
Patient Preparation
You must have with you:
* Previous x-rays if requested by your healthcare provider's office
* Your appointment form
* Complete insurance information including your insurance card
The majority of MR exams require no special preparation.
* Eat normally and continue to take any medication prescribed by your healthcare
provider unless you have been given other instructions.
* Wear comfortable clothes without metal fasteners such as zippers, buckles, or
snaps.
* You will be asked to leave all items containing metal, and cards with magnetic
strips such as credit cards, outside the room.
Patient Experience
An imaging procedure typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of information requested by your healthcare provider. For the best quality image, you need to be as still as possible during the exam. Just relax, make yourself comfortable and breathe normally. You will be asked to lie on the MR table where you will be moved into position for the study. In some cases, you may be given a contrast agent injected through an intravenous (IV) line placed in your arm. We use an agent, gadolinium, which is extremely safe and has a low incidence of allergic reaction. This contrast agent enhances the MR images.
Your exam will be performed by a highly skilled technologist. You will hear a drumming sound as the machine does its work and you will be able to see and hear a technologist throughout the exam. When the exam is over, the technologist will assist you from the table and out of the room.
After Your Exam
Your MR images will be interpreted by a board certified radiologist and the findings will be reported to your physician. Your physician will contact you to discuss the results.
MRA:
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
MRA is a safe and accurate method of acquiring detailed images of the vascular system (your blood circulatory system). MRA technique is used to image the arteries of the brain, carotid arteries, aortic arch, abdominal aorta, renal arteries, and vessels of the extremities.
Patient Experience
The examination will take approximately 30-60 minutes to complete, depending upon the information requested by your healthcare provider. For the best quality image, you need to be as still as possible during the exam. Just relax, make yourself comfortable and breathe normally. You will be asked to lie on the MR table where you will be moved into position for the study. You will be given a contrast agent injected through an intravenous (IV) line placed in your arm. We use an agent, gadolinium, which is extremely safe and has a low incidence of allergic reaction. This contrast agent enhances the MR images.
Your exam will be performed by a highly skilled technologist. You will hear a drumming sound as the machine does its work and you will be able to see and hear a technologist throughout the exam. When the exam is over, the technologist will assist you from the table and out of the room.
After Your Exam
Your MR images will be interpreted by a board certified radiologist and the findings will be reported to your physician. Your physician will contact you to discuss the results.
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