MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging
InView Imaging is proud to offer a “wide bore” 1.5 tesla MRI scanner. Without compromising image quality, our scanner provides a comfortable exam for claustrophobic patients. The opening to our magnet is significantly wider, and the length is significantly shorter. Most patients are surprised by the “open feeling” they experience. Typical open MRI machines offer significantly inferior imaging studies, compromising reporting accuracy. From this configuration, most studies are “feet-first” to alleviate claustrophobia associated with MRI scanning. This scanner is capable of accommodating larger patients, with a table weight limit of 430 lbs.
Scan time averages 30-45 minutes. To enhance patient comfort, our scanner is equipped with satellite radio so patients can listen to music all through their exam. But no need to worry, you will still be able to interact directly with your specialized technologist. In addition, patients are welcome to have a family member or friend in the MRI suite with them during the exam (some patients with aneurysm clips cannot participate in an MRI exam).
To continually address the needs of breast imaging and breast cancer screening, we have one of the only dedicated MRI breast coils in the Bay Area. Our breast coil is built for maximum comfort and support. We offer bilateral breast MRI for implant imaging (r/o ruptures or leakages) and cancer detection, as well as vacuum-assisted MRI-guided breast biopsy. Our radiologist has been interpreting breast MRI studies for over 12 years. He specializes in breast imaging cancer screening using three dimensional imaging techniques to offer patients timely and accurate results.
All MRI studies with diagnostic reports are available to referring physicians within 4 hours. Exam images are available on film or CD. Physicians may also use our convenient on-line image viewing capability.
Studies Offered:
Brain, Pituitary, MS Protocol, Orbits
Knee (with or w/o arthrogram)
Shoulder (with or w/o arthrogram)
Wrist (with or w/o arthrogram)
Fingers, Hand, Elbow (dedicated hand coil)
Spine (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar)
Soft Tissue Neck
Hips
Bilateral Breast MRI
MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy
Pelvis
MR Angiography
Toes/Foot Ankle
What is MRI of the Head?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide remarkably clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. This technique has proved very helpful to radiologists in diagnosing tumors of the brain as well as disorders of the eyes and the inner ear. It requires specialized equipment and expertise and allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible with other imaging methods.
What is MRI of the Musculoskeletal System?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. The parts of the musculoskeletal system that are most frequently imaged with MRI are the spine, knee and shoulder. However, MRI has also been used to study almost every joint in the body including the hips, wrists, and hands. MRI requires specialized equipment and expertise and allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible with other imaging methods.
What are some common uses of the MRI procedure?
MRI is the most sensitive exam for brain tumors, strokes and certain chronic disorders of the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis. In addition, it is a useful means of documenting brain abnormalities in patients with dementia and it is commonly used for patients with disease of the pituitary gland. MRI can detect tiny areas of tissue abnormality in patients with disease of the eyes or the inner ear.
Because MRI can give such clear pictures of soft tissue structures near and around bones, it is usually the best choice for examination of the body's major joints, the spine for disk disease and soft tissues of the extremities. MRI is widely used to diagnose sports-related injuries, as well as work-related disorders caused by repeated strain, vibration or forceful impact.
Using MRI images, physicians can locate and identify the cause of pain, swelling or bleeding in the tissues in and around the joints and bones. The images allow the physician to clearly see even very small tears and injuries to tendons, ligaments and muscles and even some fractures that cannot be seen on x-rays .
In addition, MRI images can give physicians a clear picture of degenerative disorders such as arthritis , deterioration of joint surfaces, or a herniated disk . Neurosurgeons often use MRI to evaluate the integrity of the spinal cord after trauma.
Finally, MRI is also useful for the diagnosis and characterization of infections ( osteomyelitis for example) and tumors ( metastases for example) involving bones and joints.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
Because the strong magnetic field used for MRI will pull on any ferromagnetic metal object implanted in the body, MRI staff will ask whether you have a prosthetic hip, an aneurysm clip in the brain, heart pacemaker (or artificial heart valve), implanted port , infusion catheter (brand names Port-o-cath , Infusaport , Lifeport ), intrauterine device (IUD) or any metal plates, pins, screws or surgical staples in your body. In most cases, surgical staples, plates, pins and screws pose no risk during MRI if they have been in place for more than four to six weeks. Dyes used in tattoos and permanent eyeliner may contain metallic iron oxide and could heat up during MRI; however, this is rare. You will be asked if you have ever had a bullet or shrapnel in your body or ever worked with metal. If there is any question of metal fragments, especially in the eye, you may be asked to have an x-ray that will detect any such metal objects. Tooth fillings usually are not affected by the magnetic field but they may distort images of the facial area or brain, so the radiologist should be aware of them. The same is true of braces, which may make it hard to "tune" the MRI unit to your body. You will be asked to remove anything that might degrade MRI images of the head, including hairpins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids and any removable dental work.
The radiologist or technologist may ask if you have any drug allergies and whether you have undergone any surgery in the past. If you are or might be pregnant mention it to the MRI staff.
Some patients who undergo MRI in an enclosed unit may feel confined or claustrophobic . If you are not easily reassured, a sedative may be administered. Roughly one in 20 patients will require medication.
|
For 
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
