MRI System Gets Upgrade

A breast MR is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnets and radio waves to produce a picture of the inside of the body. It can catch some of the smallest, early breast cancers while they are most susceptible to treatment.  It is often used as a problem solving alternative for an inconclusive mammogram or ultrasound or for evaluating breast implants. MR is also useful in imaging dense breast tissue, which is often found in younger women, and in viewing breast abnormalities that can be felt but are not visible with conventional mammography. In general, MR is a compliment to a diagnostic mammogram and does not replace screening mammography.

Terry Hauschel, director of imaging and diagnostic services at Salina Regional says breast MR is extremely helpful in identifying early breast cancer in women at high risk. High-risk women include those who have had breast cancer or have a mother or sister who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is used when the findings of a mammogram or ultrasound are inconclusive because of dense breast tissue or there is a suspected abnormality that requires further evaluation.

“When you get that indeterminate diagnosis – it can be invaluable in determining the next step,” says Hauschel.   “In some situations, we no longer have to wait six months to see what happens,” Hauschel added.  “We have the technology right now to help determine the next step without waiting.”

Several of our local physicians from United Radiology Group have received specialized training in breast MR interpretation.  “Breast MR imaging is only in its infancy,” stated Dwayne DeTurk, M.D., Medical Director of Radiology at Salina Regional Health Center.  “We are only scratching the surface of it’s capabilities and I feel that the future will show a dramatic increase in the number of patients that will benefit from this technology.”

In addition to breast MR the new upgrade also enhances nearly every other type of MRI imaging done at Salina Regional  such as abdominal imaging.  The new system has a special application for deep body imaging.  According to Hauschel this particular application has been identified by some as the single greatest advancement in MR imaging throughout the past decade.  The changes have been paralleled to changing from a 2 mega pixel camera to a 10 mega pixel camera. 

Salina Regional has enjoyed the benefits of MRI angiography for some time now but the new application takes it to the next level.  It has the capability to make those exams that were technically impossible or very difficult a reality.

Hauschel says he is extremely pleased with the new system and especially with the motion correction.  “One of our greatest enemies in the MR suite has always been motion artifact.  This new software allows us to correct for motion without compromising resulution.  It enables us to have the very highest resolution possible that is not compromised by motion artifact.”

The changes in the MRI program have not only provided for the very latest technology but also a facelift for the actual scanning room.  Along with the cosmetic changes, one wall now sports a mural depicting a country stream and it’s surroundings.  “Another issue we frequently face in MRI imaging is the feeling of closeness.  Opening up the room and helping it to feel, as if we are laying under a tree outside certainly has had a positive impact,” said Hauschel.

The new technology has already proven beneficial for many patients.  It has been used to pin point and enable the biopsy of one breast tumor that could simply not be seen with any other imaging modality. Some people have traveled nearly 3 hours one way to be scanned with the new technology.  Salina Regional is very excited to be able to provide this type of diagnostic tool to people in the midwest.