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Via Radiology
11011 Meridian Ave N, Suite #101
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-306-1011
Fax: 206-306-1019
News
First facility in Seattle to offer MAGNETOM Espree, Wide bore MRI
Posted on Feb 15, 2007
Via Radiology Meridian Pavilion is the first facility in Seattle to install a wide bore, 1.5 Tesla, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system that combines a larger opening for obese, large and claustrophobic patients with the ability to capture high-field quality diagnostic images.
Since two-thirds of American adults are overweight, the health-care industry is challenged to accommodate large patients with imaging systems that were designed for people who weigh much less. Currently, if a patient is unable to fit inside the bore of a high-field MRI magnet then image studies are done in open MRI systems with low-field magnets. This limits the diagnostic usefulness of the images obtained. The field strength of a magnet is measured in units of Tesla-the higher the number, the higher the field strength. The higher the field strength, the better the quality of images produced.
We are pleased to better serve claustrophobic patients. The MRI features a bore opening of nearly 2.3 feet in diameter and almost one foot of free space between a patient’s head and the magnet. The features of the magnet help ease feelings of claustrophobia. If necessary, we have the ability to sedate patients in order to complete the exam.
Via Radiology opened in July 2006 and is pleased to provide
state-of-the-art imaging capabilities in a soothing outpatient environment. In an addition to the spacious comfort offered by the MAGNETOM Espree, the MRI also features the shortest 1.5 Tesla magnet available. Approximately four feet long, the magnet allows many exams to be completed with the patient’s head outside the bore, helping to ease claustrophobia.
The MAGNETOM Espree provides best patient comfort and high-quality images and diagnostic confidence for all types of patients.
Interested in learning more about our wide-bore MRI? Please contact us at 206.306.1011.
