When University Tower opens in a week, it will be equipped with the latest technology to enhance patient care. One of the biggest advances (literally) will be the nearly 5 ton Siemens MRI unit that was delivered dangling from a construction crane last week. It took an hour and a half to carefully lift and place the new MRI into the suite through an unfinished facade (later replaced by a window) on the main level.
The new Magnetom ‘Aera’ MRI offers patients a more comfortable experience with a larger 70 cm opening (more than 2 feet for those metrically challenged), and shorter exam times thanks to enhanced software, according to Joseph Phillips, director of diagnostic imaging.
In addition, it offers “Quiet Suite” which reduces examination noise levels by 70 percent for neurologic and orthopedic examinations. Computer aided detection software will also improve the accuracy and sensitivity for MRI breast imaging and MRI guided breast biopsies.