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SINGAPORE - Patients can now go through magnetic resonance (MR) scan while enjoying their favourite music or movies, thanks to ParkwayHealth Radiology's new Optima Extremity MR scanner.
Unlike previous specialty systems that do not have the strength to deliver image quality comparable to a full-body scanner, the GE Optima MRI Extremity Scanner ensures that the targeted anatomy is precisely positioned at the magnet's isocenter and the magnetic coil's proximity to the targeted anatomies enables clearer and sharper images for radiologists to make more accurate prognoses. The innovative design also makes technology surprisingly more patient-friendly compared to traditional MR systems with patients feeling on average four times more comfortable1.
This new system also comes with a unique entertainment system, the first and only in ASEAN, built specially for a magnetic room so that patients can plug in their portable music players or play their own DVDs. This will help alleviate patients' anxiety which in turns reduces scan retakes. This results in higher efficiency, faster processes and better results.
"In line with our commitment to enhance patient experience by providing patient-centric services, the MRI Extremity Scanner was designed with the user's experience in mind. Greater comfort means less anxiety and less risk of movement that could lead to inconsistent and unclear images. In an extra consideration for patients, ParkwayHealth Radiology has created a comforting ambience in the MRI room, which is painted with scenery of trees in a park to help one relax," said Ms Lim Poh Suan, Chief Executive Officer of ParkwayHealth Radiology.
The MRI Extremity Scanner is a musculoskeletal MR system that delivers precise imaging of the fingers, hand, wrist, elbow, knee, foot, ankle and toes, improving patient comfort as only targeted anatomy needs to be placed inside the scanner during examination. With the MRI Extremity Scanner, patients recline on a padded, ergonomically-designed chair instead of having to lie flat on their backs in an enclosed tunnel, effectively reducing or eliminating the feeling of claustrophobia.
According to Radiology:Volume 251: Number 3-June 2009, Study measured relative comfort between conventional 1.5T system and 1.0T extremity scanner. "Four times more comfortable" as measured by confinement and immobilisation.