Bringing new imaging technology to Central Illinois
Contact: Amy Paul, Executive Director, Strategic Communications
(655-2777 or 229-7175) amy.l.paul@osfhealthcare.org
BRINGING NEW IMAGING TECHNOLOGY TO CENTRAL ILLINOIS
(May 6, 2008) Illinois Neurological Institute (INI) at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center is proud to be the FIRST hospital in Central Illinois to offer the 3 Tesla MRI. The GE Signa HDx 3.0 T MR system is one of the world’s finest high definition magnetic resonance systems providing cutting edge image clarity.
You can see this new 3.0 T MR system on Tuesday, May 20 at 2:00 pm during the Blessing and Dedication of the 3.0 T MRI.
The 3.0T MRI helps doctors definitively diagnose the most complex cases. From sports injuries to life-threatening neurological and heart conditions, doctors can diagnose faster and with increased confidence. The good news for young patients is that the exam is done in half the time with much less sedation than in the past.
“The image quality and speed of this new 3T magnet is far beyond what has been available previously,†says Dr. Gary Zwicky, Medical Director of MRI at OSF Saint Francis. “This new system will help us diagnose patients who have serious illnesses so that their doctors can prescribe treatments with confidence.â€
The equipment cost for the Signa HDx 3.0T MRI was $2.4 million. After a month of equipment calibration and staff training, patients will begin being scanned this week.
