For Immediate Release: March 21, 2008

Contact: Jean Campbell (217) 544-6464, ext. 44307

St. John’s new MRI scanner offers latest imaging technology

SPRINGFIELD – The best technology in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now available at St. John’s Hospital. The only one of its kind in Springfield, the MRI scanner houses a “3 Tesla” magnet, the strongest magnet approved by the FDA.

According to St. John’s Hospital neuroradiologist Dr. Matthew Kuhn, the new MRI scanner delivers superb image quality with more detail and higher resolution than lower field systems. "The 3 Tesla images potentially allow for more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatment," he says.

Springfield Clinic orthopedic surgeon Dr. Diane Hillard-Sembell, recently viewed images from the new MRI scanner of one of her patients with a knee injury. "I was able to see the torn knee cartilage in greater detail," she says. "The quality of the images was excellent, which aids in treatment."

The new MRI scanner is particularly useful for:

• small body parts, which makes it ideal for use with pediatric patients.
• brain imaging for patients with epilepsy, stroke and brain tumors, as well as functional brain imaging and pituitary studies.
• joints including hips, knees, wrists and shoulders.
• magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease in the lower extremities plus narrowing of the renal and carotid arteries. MRA with this new 3 Tesla system is also potentially safer for patients since less contrast material required.

In addition, the new scanner offers a more patient-friendly experience. Exam times are often shorter and a built-in "propeller" sequence automatically corrects for movement. This makes the exam more comfortable for claustrophobic adults and others who are unable to remain still for long periods.