MRIs with better images, more comfort and greater speed are the result of Willamette Valley Medical Center's newly installed high-field open Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner, said Clint Gabrys, the hospital's director of diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology.

According to Gabrys, "We are excited about this new MRI. For patients who feel claustrophobic, for large patients and for children, this open design really improves their MRI experience. For very young children, we can even have a parent next to the child to help comfort them."

David Siepmann, MD, medical director of MRI at the hospital and radiologist with McMinnville Imaging Associates, explained, "The Philips Panorama 1.0T is the first and only 'open' MRI scanner able to provide us with the high quality images that we need, while giving patients the comfort of a wide-open design."

Gabrys agrees and added, "Three years ago, when the technology was available, we installed a 'flared bore' MRI scanner to accommodate patients who suffer from severe anxiety or claustrophobia when undergoing a traditional MRI. However, today's technology has advanced and the new design is open on all sides. The image quality has been greatly improved."

Another advantage to the new design is that the open magnet allows a lot more flexibility when positioning patients and enhances patient comfort. The new MRI is a real advantage for larger patients and can accommodate patients up to 500 pounds.

Dr. Siepmann called the new scanner "ideal" for pediatric MRIs because the new open design enables parents to accompany and comfort their child children during the MRI.

The new $2 million MRI scanner will enable high-field imaging quality for advanced applications of the brain, spine, blood vessels, body, breast, bone and joint and for use in pediatrics.

The increased scanner speed means shorter exam times for the patients. "By having another MRI scanner available, we have also reduced the time to schedule an exam," explained Gabrys. "We'll be able to provide next-day exams, which means a faster diagnosis."