Tri-City Medical Center Imaging Services is proud to offer an Open MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) system that provides physicians with highly detailed, color diagnostic images of the body while affording patients increased comfort.

What is an MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a noninvasive diagnostic technique that produces computerized images of internal body tissues. The images may be of your brain, knee, spine, or whatever part of the body needs help.

The images are obtained by using nuclear magnetic resonance of atoms within the body. Essentially, a giant magnet and radio waves cause hydrogen atoms in the body to give off tiny signals, which are fed into a computer creating an image on a TV-like screen. No ionizing radiation is used.

By producing exquisite detail, MRI makes it possible to easily visualize conditions and avoid invasive procedures. And if a procedure is necessary, the surgeon is armed with more data before starting.

What Happens During an MRI?

When a patient receives an MRI exam, they are asked to lie very still on a special table, which is placed inside the MRI tube. Some patients are a little apprehensive when they see the equipment, but once inside, they can put on headphones and listen to a tape or compact disc. The examination is usually performed in less than 45 minutes.

Because a very powerful magnet is used in MRI, patients with pacemakers and certain other implants are not candidates for this exam.

Open Design

The design of the new Open MRI equipment provides for improved patient comfort, particularly for claustrophobic patients, very large patients and children that wish to be imaged with a parent or loved one present. In addition to conventional MRI procedures such as head and spine imaging, the open system is ideally suited for joint imaging.

This system is one of the most advanced diagnostic imaging techniques currently available in the healthcare industry.

Experts on the Cutting Edge of MRI Technology

It takes an expert MRI radiologist to analyze the images, determine whether or not an abnormality exists, and then provide diagnostic information about it.

Steven Eilenberg, MD, Director of MRI at Tri-City, is a renowned expert in the field of MRI and teaches the specialized art of MRI interpretation to other radiologists all over the country.

"From its original clinical applications in the brain, spine and joints, the usage of MRI has expanded to encompass cardiac, abdominal and pelvic imaging. For instance, we can see fibroid tumors in the uterus and provide the surgeon with a very specific 'map' which can make surgery faster and more accurate," Eilenberg says.

"In some cases we can even diagnose problems that would have required an exploratory laparotomy. The patient may avoid surgery altogether."

On the cutting edge of MRI technology, Dr. Eilenberg has recently invented a special chemical filled pouch which, when placed around the body, enhances image quality.

"The pouch is placed around the neck, foot or ankle and the MRI radiologist will get a clearer picture to sometimes make a more definitive diagnosis."

For More Information

At Tri-City Medical Center, we've made MRI as convenient as possible. Our MRI center is located on the campus of the Medical Center with easy access and plenty of convenient, reserved parking. Saturday and evening appointments are available. If you have any questions about MRI at Tri-City, please call (760) 940-7777.