Services
Our current services include high-field (1.5T) MRI, 16-Slice Computed Tomography (CT), Full-Field Digital Mammography (with CAD), Bone Density Scans, Ultrasound, and X-ray.
Open MRI?
SDI offers the latest in high-field (1.5T) MRI, including a short-bore to add to the patient's comfort. Our scan times are the fastest in the industry, minimizing the time the patient must spend in the scanner.
With "open" or low field scanners being advertised, sometimes it's difficult for a physician to order an MRI and still retain the quality they're accustomed to from "closed" MRIs. Because of the lower quality of images produced by the open scanners, some will need to be repeated on a closed or high field scanner to accurately diagnosis the problem.
Higher field strength scanners with a 1.5 Tesla (measurement of magnetic force) provide high resolutions, that is, clearer, easier to read scans. Open scanners usually have about a .23 to .70 Tesla. The higher the field strength, the more powerful and faster the scanner. As the field strength increases, the signal or ability to receive body images from the patient increases and results in a better quality image. MRI scanners scan the body in slices. On a high field or closed MRI system, the slice can be thinner, improving the image the physician uses to diagnose the problem. High field MRI systems also take less time due to the higher magnetic field strength. High field scans can be one and a half to two times faster than an "open" scan. As the scan time lengthens, the patient is more prone to movement, which reduces image quality. High field scanners also provide the most advanced imaging techniques, some of which cannot be performed on an "open" scanner.
There has been an increase in open MRI use due to the misunderstanding that closed scanners can be more claustrophobic for the patient. This misconception is, perhaps, caused by the design of each type of scanner. Traditional high field scanners are currently designed to increase patient comfort as well as reduce the anxiety that may occur with MRI patients. The newer scanners are designed with a substantially shorter bore or tube than the older scanners. This allows for the patient's head to be outside the bore of the magnet for a number of scans. The bore of the magnet is flared at the ends, so if a patient needs to be inside the scanner, the "closed in" feeling is reduced because the patient's head is towards a flared end. In addition, the bore has a larger width than that of the older scanners, which provides more room around the patient while inside the scanner.
Our MRI scanner has been designed with superior ventilation and lighting systems, allowing more air and light to circulate while scanning. Sometimes a patient can request changes in the ventilation and lighting if needed.
In addition to the physical structure of the scanner reducing the anxiety of the patient, MRI technologists and support staff are experienced in dealing with patients who may be nervous. Most staff can comfort and relax patients, talk them through the scan and, if needed, sit with the patient and hold their hand.
High field scans are indicated for central nervous system and vascular studies - particularly contrast enhanced MRA studies, abdominal work that requires the patient to hold their breath, fat saturation techniques, certain cancer studies and any study that requires high resolution. If these studies are performed on a low field scanner, it is possible that the scan would have to be repeated on a high field scanner, resulting in patient inconvenience as well as billing for a repeated scan