AMERICAN RADIOLOGY SERVICES BRINGS LATEST MRI TECHNOLOGY TO WHITE MARSH LOCATION
BALTIMORE–American Radiology Services is now offering patients the opportunity to undergo significantly more comfortable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams with the recent installation of the Vantage™ MRI system from Toshiba America Medical Systems in their White Marsh imaging center (4924 Campbell Blvd, Suite 105, Baltimore, MD, 21236).
The Vantage is designed to improve the patient experience with new, exclusive patient comfort features. These highlights include an ultra-short bore platform, which offers greater openness for claustrophobic patients by minimizing the feeling of being inserted into a tube-like machine. In addition, the system is equipped with Toshiba's patented Pianissimo™ noise reduction technology, which effectively reduces scan noise by as much as 90 percent.
"We are thrilled to have the new Vantage system and its technology available to our patients. Over the years, patients have had concerns with claustrophobia and overall comfort during MRI scans. Now, we can alleviate many of these issues," said John Austraw, MRI Operations Manager. "The short-bore design also makes the system feel more open, and the quietness of the Vantage during scanning is more calming for the patient. When the patient is more at ease, we have greater success with the scan and capture better images to help the physician make a confident diagnosis."
In addition to its patient comfort features, the Vantage is a high-field MRI system that performs a wide variety of MRI exams including the latest state-of-the-art imaging techniques. For example, the system enables physicians to perform studies including cardiac imaging, EPI and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Using an advanced MRA technique, physicians can view images of vascular structures without the use of contrast agents, which furthers patient comfort, reduces cost and allows the scan to be performed repeatedly, if needed.
"As medical technology becomes more and more sophisticated, we are able to image and evaluate more medical conditions at earlier stages than ever before. With early diagnosis, we can more effectively plan for a successful treatment," commented Mr. Austraw. "By expanding our capabilities to perform more advanced MRI studies and deliver outstanding clinical images, our physicians will have even more clinical data to improve their diagnosis and offer more advanced medical service to patients."
How MRI Works
Instead of relying on X-rays like other imaging technologies, MRI uses a powerful magnet approximately 30,000-times stronger than the magnetic force of the earth. During an exam, the patient lies inside the opening of the magnet. The hydrogen atoms in the patient's body react to the magnetic field, the computer reads signals from the atom formation and reconstructs data into detailed images of the body's interior.
MRI technology is used to identify tumor masses and other abnormalities in the head, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities, as well as to examine bone and joint injuries. Frequently, this type of diagnostic information cannot be acquired with any other medical procedure, except surgery.
About American Radiology Services
American Radiology Services (ARS) is a Maryland-based provider of medical imaging services, offering physicians and patients the highest quality technology, service, and expertise. Founded in 1997, ARS specializes in a wide array of the newest diagnostic imaging technologies including digital mammography, Positron Emission Tomography (PET/CT), Cat Image (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Nuclear Medicine, Dual Energy X-ray Absorption (DEXA), Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy, and X-ray. Affiliated with world-renowned physicians and many of the area's leading hospitals and medical practices, ARS operates 18 imaging centers throughout Maryland and Delaware. Each center is staffed by highly trained technologists and frontline employees. For more information on American Radiology Services, please visit www.americanradiology.com. American Radiology is an affiliate of CML Healthcare.
About Toshiba
With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., Toshiba America Medical Systems markets, sells, distributes and services diagnostic imaging systems, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in the United States. Toshiba Medical Systems Corp., an independent group company of Toshiba Corp., is a global leading provider of diagnostic medical imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as CT, Cath & EP Labs, X-ray, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, MRI and information systems. Toshiba Corp. is a leader in information and communications systems, electronic components, consumer products, and power systems. Toshiba has approximately 191,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of $67 billion. For more information, visit www.medical.toshiba.com.
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