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COME JOIN DRA'S ERIC HYSON, MD
FOR A SEMINAR ON BREAST HEALTH
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YOUR MRI QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE!
With the arrival of the first 3T MRI in the Waterbury area at DRA we are now switching our question and answer section to MRI's. Kenneth Allen, MD, a partner at DRA and Director of Greater Waterbury Imaging will answer some of the most common asked questions concerning MRI.
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Dr. Kenneth Allen |
Is the DRA MRI an "open" MRI?
All MRI machines require the patient to be enveloped in a magnetic field in order to generate the information necessary to create their images. The architecture of these machines is quite variable, as engineers have tried to come up with different designs to cope with the requirements of the physics of magnetic fields while accommodating the needs for patient comfort. If a magnetic field is weak, there is generally more space available around the patient, so the term "open MRI" was created to sell the idea of a spacious, comfortable environment inside the scanner, as opposed to the more confined space usually found in an MRI with a stronger magnetic field. The strength of the magnetic field correlates with the clarity of the images, so the stronger the magnet the sharper the picture detail. Unfortunately as the term "open MRI" became more popular, an assumption was made that if an MRI machine had a strong magnet and was not "open", then it must be "closed". There is no such thing as a "closed MRI". All MRI machines are open, but some are more open than others.
Fortunately, our new scanner at DRA in Middlebury offers the best of both worlds. The magnetic field strength is the highest available clinically, so the images are the clearest of any in our area. The strong magnet also allows for the fastest imaging times and shortest examinations. At the same time, engineering breakthroughs have allowed the construction of a magnet with a wide bore, so the feeing inside is relatively spacious, enough to accommodate patients who weigh over 500 pounds, and more than adequate for the average patient. The length of the scanner is also much shorter than in earlier high-field MRI's, so the patient experience is even more "open". With fans circulating air in the scanner and music piped in, most patients are able to go through the test with concern for the results, but no worries about the exam itself.
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HOME-TO-HOME FOUNDATION'S
8TH ANNUAL BOWL-A-THON IS COMING!  Come and join in all the fun on Sunday, January 22nd at Thomaston Lanes. The event runs from 10:00am until 4:00pm with two hour bowling time slots. Teams of four are needed! There will be a DJ spinning music, raffles and give-a-ways all day. Through innovative and meaningful programs, the HTHF has brought smiles and activities to 1500 nursing home residents during the past year. The bowl-a-thon is one of HTH's biggest fund raisers and we need your support. Clink on this link for registration form 2012bowlathon. We start bowling at 10:00am!! The play offs don't start until 3:00PM. Come join us, do a good thing and then go home and really enjoy the games!! |
quality patient care. DRA would like to wish all our friends, family, patients and colleagues a happy and healthy new year and we look forward to helping you with your imaging needs.
