New MRI Scanner Attracts Attention in PAH Radiation Oncology Department.
They say good things come to those who wait... and wait we have!
After years of Covid chaos, shipping setbacks and installation inconveniences, the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Radiation Oncology Department is finally ready to start scanning and planning using its brand new 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner, manufactured by global healthcare technology company Siemens Healthineers.
The introduction of this next generation technology marks another important milestone in the organisation’s 5-year strategic plan to enhance cancer treatment for a range of complex oncology conditions. While the installation of the scanner had been meticulously planned, the reality of getting a 7 tonne MRI unit into the department proved quite the challenge.
The gift wrapped MRI Scanner arrives ready to unload from the truck.
Step one: when moving something really heavy… wear Hi-Vis!
The new MRI Scanner checks into the Radiation Oncology Department reception.
To accommodate the safe passage of its plus-size frame, a number of minor and not so minor “renovations” were required to doors, walls and floors, as it was delicately moved into the radiation oncology facility. Fortunately, with a bit of elbow grease and an abundance of Hi-Vis, the scanner was successfully rolled into its electromagnetically earthed enclosure. It was then just a matter of connecting, cooling and calibrating the magnet.
Plenty of space (if you modify the walls, floors and ceiling).
So what makes our new MRI Scanner so special?
For those of you unfamiliar with Magnetic Resonance Imaging technology, the new scanner is a “Magnetom Vida” 3 Tesla model (not the Elon Musk kind). The Tesla value refers to the strength of the magnetic field generated, which in turn determines the quality of the images and the time required to perform a scan.
Compared to most MRI units in Australia, our newly acquired 3 Tesla model has several advantages.
According to our Radiation Oncology MRI specialist planning team (Clinton Gould, Sam Crowely, and Kate Howe) it offers:
Shorter scan times for radiation therapy planning.
Better patient experience, since the open bore (70 cm) design helps to relieve the sense of confinement patients associate with most MRI scanners.
More detailed images (thanks to 3 Tesla magnet) which are beneficial when examining pathological conditions involving the brain, spine, and musculoskeletal system.
Lower risk of distorted images, thus eliminating the need for repeated scans.
Advanced software that allows for more sophisticated imaging procedures to be conducted.
Pictured above: Brenda (the first patient to be scanned on our new MRI) by our specialist MRI planning team - Kate, Clint and Sam.
Another key advantage of the Magnetom Vida MRI is its use of BioMatrix technology. This system features an array of sensors integrated into the MRI scanner bed that automatically detect and analyse a patient’s breathing cycle and body mass to determine optimal scanning conditions.
However, one of the biggest benefits will be the ability to conduct MRI scans on patients while maintaining a comfortable planned treatment position. This is facilitated by use of Ultra Flex coils that can be easily placed around different parts of a patient’s body to obtain high resolution images.
While the initial workload for the MRI will be mainly focused on brain and prostate scanning, there is little doubt (given the eagerness of our radiation oncology specialist team) that the scope of anatomical sites will be quickly expanded. Hence, it is anticipated that the investment in this innovative technology will further compliment and improve our radiation therapy service for all patients in the years to come.
Article by: Andrew Puffett, published 22/2/22