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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

State-of-the-art Open MRI Unit


Cape Cod Hospital offers a new, high-quality, state-of-the-art MRI unit, which gives patients more comfort and reliability. The Siemens “Open Bore 1.5 Tesla” magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is a permanent unit located, for the first time, inside the hospital.

Unlike traditional units that can give some patients the feeling of going into a tunnel, the new CCH unit provides a larger “bore,” or opening, with the ability to capture high-field quality diagnostic images. The Siemens “Magnetom Espree” unit features a bore opening of nearly 2.3 feet in diameter, with nearly one foot of free space between the patient’s head and the magnet.

The unit also features the shortest 1.5 Tesla magnet available. Approximately four feet long, the magnet allows many exams to be completed with the patient’s head outside the bore. The patient-friendly design makes it easier for large patients and those with claustrophobia to have an MRI examination. This will potentially reduce the need to repeat or interrupt exams.

MRI allows for the visualization of detailed internal structures of the body. It uses a powerful magnetic field, not ionizing radiation, to produce an image. Due to its ability to provide contrast between the soft tissues of the body, MRI is particularly useful in neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and oncological imaging.

The Latest Technology

Using radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a non-invasive approach that produces clear images of internal organs such as the lungs, kidney and spleen.

MRI technology has proven valuable when diagnosing a variety of conditions, including cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke, and joint and musculoskeletal disorders. Sports injuries can also be diagnosed, especially those occurring in the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow and wrist.

Excellent Spine Care 


MRI excels in obtaining images of the spine. MRI is an excellent way to determine the cause of back pain because of its ability to view the anatomy of vertebrae that make up the spine. Common reasons for spinal MRIs include:

• Bulging or herniated discs (a frequent cause of lower back pain)
• Pinched or inflamed nerves
• Planning of spinal surgeries and tracking progress following the procedure

Each picture captured through MRI can be developed into a three-dimensional image and examined by a medical professional. The ability to create such a detailed image enhances the accuracy of a diagnosis in many cases.

A Wealth of Benefits 


Benefits of MRI include:

• Images of the soft-tissue structures, such as the heart and lungs, can be clearer and more detailed than with other imaging technology.
• Enhanced ability to provide an early diagnosis and evaluation of tumors.
• Enables medical professionals to detect abnormalities that may be obscured by a bone.

For more information on MRI capabilities at Cape Cod Healthcare, call 877-MRI-0070 -- (877-674-0070).

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