Imaging Technologies

MRI

Capabilities of our 3T MRI scanner reach far beyond that of any Open Architecture MRI scanner or older, more traditional mid-field closed bore scanners (often seen in hospital settings). With the tremendous advances in high field MRI technology, Physicians and Patients should specifically request, if not demand, 3Tesla MRI scanners for all MRI imaging studies.

WHY 3 Tesla MRI?

Magnetic Field Strength is one of the key dynamics that contributes to production of higher quality images, thinner slice thickness and potentially earlier detection of pathology.

Magnetic field strength is measured in “Tesla” units. A “Tesla” (1T) is equal to 20,000 times the pull of Earth’s magnetic field. Therefore, our 3T MRI scanner is 60,000 times stronger than the pull of Earth’s magnetic field.

Relative to diagnostic imaging machines, the 3Tesla MRI scanner at Siker Medical Imaging has a magnetic field strength ten times more powerful than strength of most Open Architecture MRI scanners in use today, in turn providing much higher quality imaging at the same cost to the patient.

All patients deserve to know that they are being scanned with the best and most advanced technology available. More valuable diagnostic data can be acquired in high field MRI scanners (3Tesla) than older, less powerful Open Architecture MRI scanners at the same cost to the patient. “Unless the patient is physically too obsese to fit in a closed bore MRI, a 3Tesla MRI scan is a much better and much more valuable study than any Open Architecture MRI scan.”

Open Architecture MRI scanners rely on a much lower magnetic field strength and lower signal to noise ratio, drastically limiting slice thickness, image quality and resolution capabilities.

Many open scanners still in operation utilize outdated, even antiquated technology. Patients scanned in these types of MRI scanners are not getting the most for their dollar. In fact, many physicians feel it is paramount to malpractice to refer patients to an open architecture, or “low field” scanner if not absolutely necessary (i.e. obesity).

With our advanced 3T MRI, superb anatomical imaging of the brain, spine, and neurovasculature is now routine. Beyond routine, Siker Imaging employs tools and techniques to take MRI imaging to the next level. With twice the magnet signal strength available for analysis, we are combining functional imaging, multivoxel spectroscopy, perfusion and diffusion/tensor imaging to help delineate and enlighten us with respect to numerous pathologies including, seizure foci, migraines, demyelinating disease, and identification of eloquent areas of the (neuro) cortex for surgical planning (neoplasms).

What is “TIM”?

Total Imaging Matrix technology allows Siker Medical Imaging to perform contiguous body part imaging without the need to reposition the patient and with no coil changing. The radiologist no longer works to to piece together data acquired using separate and individual body coils. Complex peripheral angiography studies are performed fluidly with TIM producing beautiful results with faster and more comfortable scanning for the patient. In addition, Siker Medical Imaging can perform “Complete Spine” studies in one patient position with the use of TIM and our advanced Body Matrix Coil system. This animation demonstrates a more traditional MRI scanner on the left and the 3Tesla Trio with “TIM” at Siker Medical Imaging on the right.

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Technical Data

Higher spatial resolution at 3T is the key to better diagnostic accuracy. Small tumors or stenoses, previously undetected, are now identified and can be treated in the earliest stages. Shorter acquisition times and the 3T Singnal to Noise Ratio (SNR) enable clinical protocols incorporating the most advanced applications such as Diffusion Tensor imaging or MR spectroscopy.

3T offers twice the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 1.5T MR scanners. This increased SNR allows greater spatial resolution and in many cases faster scanning. In addition, MR spectroscopy benefits from increased field strength, better resolution of metabolites, and reduced acquisition time. Other 3T advantages include better T1-based techniques such as Time-of-Flight MRA, more robust T2*-weighted acquisitions, and more robust functional MRI signal.

Finally, the increased 3T SNR can be traded off for increased speed e.g. acquisitions with integrated Parallel Acquisition Techniques (iPAT – SENSE and SMASH-based techniques). In fact, iPAT enables a reduction of exami- nation time or an increase in spatial resolution and improves image quality for single shot techniques – all at a cost of reduced SNR. At 3T, iPAT shows the best promise to provide excellent 3T image quality in all body regions prone to susceptibility artifacts.

With our advanced 3T MRI, superb anatomical imaging of the brain, spine, and neuro-vasculature is now routine. Beyond routine, Siker Imaging employs tools and techniques to take MRI imaging to the next level. With twice the magnet signal strength available for analysis, we are combining functional imaging, multivoxel spectroscopy, perfusion and diffusion-tensor imaging to help delineate and enlighten us with respect to numerous pathologies including, seizure foci, migraines, demyelinating disease, identification of eloquent areas of cortex for surgical planning (neoplasms), etc.