Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique that allows doctors to see inside the human body in great detail without using X-rays. MRI uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer system (no radiation). This scan provides doctors with important information of certain types of body tissue (internal organs, joints, brain, and spine) differently than an X-ray or a computerized tomography (CT) scan.
This year, Estes Park Health Foundation is raising money toward the purchase of a new MRI machine for Estes Park Health. The current MRI machine was purchased used 8 years ago and is 14 years old. The technology is dated and the machine requires more and more repairs, which means less availability for patient use.
The new MRI machine, a Siemens Magnetom Altea 1.5 T, is larger, captures images in half the time, and offers better patient positioning, including eliminating the use of rectal coils during prostate exams. When a patient is suspected of having a stroke, every second counts. This new MRI machine captures brain images in 12 minutes compared to 25 minutes with the current machine. Quiet Suite technology reduces the noise level during image acquisition. In a nutshell, the Siemens MRI machine Magnetom Altea 1.5T provides diagnostically superior images, shorter scan time, and the highest patient comfort.
The new MRI machine costs $1.1 million. Will you join us?