A New Age for MRI: How the Echelon Oval Fuses Precision Imaging with Optimal Patient Comfort
It wasn’t always possible to look inside the body, but today the healthcare industry uses several techniques that allow physicians to take a peek at body tissues, bones, and organs. Whether it’s through X-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, or using tiny cameras, health care professionals can see beyond the flesh and gain a deeper understanding of the human body’s internal machinations.
These imaging methods diagnose all kinds of conditions, but can often be intimidating. Facing the uncertainty or the prospect of a diagnosis and being subjected to rigorous testing is unnerving and stressful for anybody.
Many patients find the MRI particularly uncomfortable because it consists of entering an enclosed space with little to no movement allowed. The good news is technology and medical advancements have considered MRI hesitancy and engineered ways to make the patient experience more positive.
As a patient-centered facility, Professional Radiology is dedicated to patient comfort and part of that mission is investing in top-of-the-line equipment that yields the most accurate results while keeping the patient comfortable. It’s why we’ve welcomed the Echelon Oval MRI into our imaging center.
Sounds enticing right?
Let’s take a look at what it is.
Improving Patient Comfort Through the Echelon Oval
The Echelon Oval machine is designed to accommodate the shape of the body to improve patient comfort without compromising image quality or efficiency. It is wider. As such, it’s a great option for claustrophobic patients or heavier people. As a wide-open MRI, the Echelon Oval provides a more comfortable, relaxed experience for patients of all ages. Due to its design, the Echelon Oval helps in decreasing patient anxiety while producing optimal results. The machine has enhanced patient accessibility fused with top-of-the-line integrated technology and imaging capabilities unlike any other.
When it comes to patient experience, the Echelon Oval is engineered to provide the utmost comfort and stability to every patient. From older patients to claustrophobic patients, to children, young people, or broad-shouldered individuals, the design is meant to adapt and provide comfort no matter what.
The main features of the Echelon include the following:
- Wide-open, feet-first entry
- Easy positioning
- Reliability and proven quality
- High-field combined with a compact design
- High-Order Active Shim System
- WIT Integrated RF coil system
- Oval Drive RF transit
- Patient Comfort Technology
- SENTINEL Remote Assistance and monitoring
Why Might You Need an MRI?
MRIs stands for magnetic resonance imaging, and it is a non-invasive imaging technology that allows medical professionals to obtain detailed images of a person’s anatomy and produce fine images that allow the detection and diagnosis of certain conditions.
MRIs are used to detect traumatic brain injury, developmental anomalies, multiple sclerosis, dementia, stroke, or other conditions. MRIs are also used to monitor or treat conditions.
How Does it Work?
The technology of MRIs began as early as 1945 when scientists experimented with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). This field of science was founded on the idea that the nuclei of atoms resonate against another oscillating magnetic field. Using this foundation, the MRI technology came about when doctor Raymond Damadian hypothesized that cancerous cells could be differentiated from healthy cells when magnetic resonance was applied.
The theory was that cancerous cells contain more water and would therefore appear more visible due to added hydrogen atoms. He would soon prove his theory correct. Other scientists at that time including Paul Lauterbur and Sir Peter Mansfield would contribute to the emerging field of producing images.
Soon to follow was the race to create a full-body scanner. Today the MRI scanners work by using power magnets that produce a strong magnetic field. The magnets force the protons in the body to align with that field. Radiofrequency is then used to make the protons react a certain way. Physicians differentiate tissues in the body based on these magnetic properties.
In order for a successful image, a patient must remain still whilst in this very large magnet. Any movement by the patient increases image blur. It is the stillness requirement that can make the MRI a rather intimidating prospect for people uncomfortable with small spaces or those that suffer from a degree of claustrophobia.
Professional Radiology is Dedicated to Patient Experience and Comfort
Any medical examination can be stressful. Sitting absolutely still whilst enclosed in a machine can make anyone a little jittery. As part of our dedication to patients and enhancing their experience with healthcare procedures, we have invested in equipment like the Echelon Oval to ensure patient satisfaction.
We are dedicated to patients and to precision. With the wide-open MRI Echelon Oval, we can achieve both.
Want to learn more about what we do here at Professional Radiology? Are you in need of an MRI or other imaging services? Call our team today for more information.