It’s very clear. Hi-Def is here to stay.

The amazing GE twin speed Signa HDxt 1.5T Magnetic Resonance system is now available on the northshore at Lakeview Regional Medical Center. Besides producing images with increased speed and better resolution, this machine has unique applications for cardiology. Lakeview is the first in the state, and one of only three in the entire Southeast, to have this technology.

“Hi-Def MRI, in layman’s terms, is kind of like the difference between high-definition TV and regular TV,” explained John Gerhold, associate administrator for Lakeview Regional Medical Center and director of radiology. “The detail in the images that are produced from the MRI machine is so much more enhanced, that it is like trying to find something in your closet with a light bulb on and without the light bulb on. It’s like night and day.”  

In the first two months since the Hi-Def MRI’s installation, radiologists have seen a significant improvement in image resolution. “From my experience right now, the image quality is certainly dramatically improved over what we had before,” observed radiologist Steven Pflug. “As far as basic image quality, the clarity is remarkably better. The images are sharper. So, image quality right now is the best thing that we’ve noticed.”

Another advantage with the twin speed Signa HDxt is shorter exams for patients. Compared to a regular MRI scan, which on average takes about 45 minutes, the Hi-Def MRI on most scans can be done in 15 minutes or less. “It’s three times faster, and you get so much more detail,” Gerhold said.

Additionally, the system uses Neuro-Propeller HD technology, which adjusts for patient motion during brain scans, producing clear, concise images and reducing the need for retakes. This technology is ideal for children and patients with head injuries, whom doctors usually have to sedate prior to scanning. “Because we are using such a powerful magnet, we can acquire the images in a much quicker time frame, which cuts out on patient motion and those types of issues,” Pflug noted. “Kids and older patients who are sick are prone to have a lot motion. With the new system, we can adjust that first with the speed of the exam, and then with the new software upgrades that can limit the motion artifact.”

For even more patient comfort and ease, Lakeview offers the new CinemaVision Virtual Reality System, which provides a relaxing multi-media experience and entertainment during the MRI. Prior to the procedure, patients put on goggles, hiding the machine around them. Patients have the choice of watching television or movies in 3D, or listening to music with CinemaVision. This system is particularly helpful for pediatric patients, as well as the estimated 20 percent of patients who are claustrophobic. “It’s a virtual reality state, so it takes the patient out of the real world of feeling confined in an MRI machine,” Gerhold explained.

This Hi-Def MRI system uses a technology package called “Enhance,” which enables technologists to do vascular MRA (MRI angiogram) without contrast media. “This means no IV puncture is needed,” Gerhold explained. “No other manufacturer offers this.” Also, if no contrast is used, then the patient is no longer at risk of developing rare complications such as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), a kidney disease triggered by gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents. “Now that we have this technology, only rarely will we need to inject dye into a patient when imaging a blood vessel,” Gerhold said.

The twin speed Signa HDxt 1.5T MR is the only system in the region to perform cardiac MRI exams. Cardiac MRI exams can determine what damage exists in the heart prior to performing bypass operations. “In the near future, we’re going to be capable of doing real-time stress tests and looking at the functioning as well,” Pflug noted. “In that regard, it’s going to be something that is not being done anywhere in this region, to my knowledge. So, that’s going to be a huge addition to the cardiac workup.” MR scans can also assist in diagnosing other anatomical areas, including the head, breasts, abdomen, chest, vascular system and major organs.

In addition, the hospital bought Cube technology, which allows technologists to separate brain images into 1 mm by 1 mm boxes. Compared to conventional MR imaging, which provides several discrete slices in one plane, Cube produces a single 3D volume scan. Soon after acquiring Cube, Lakeview radiologists were able to pinpoint a tiny tumor on the pituitary gland. “On a typical MRI, you wouldn’t be able to see it,” Gerhold said. “With this technology, we were able to go in and get thinner images of the pituitary gland, and we actually found the lesion in its early stages.”   

Lakeview spent over $1 million on this technology. Back in 2002, the hospital had installed an MRI for $1.5 million. To accommodate the Hi-Def system, the existing structure was gutted around the magnet and replaced with all new electronics. “The total value is just over $2 ½ million,” Gerhold said. “Word is getting out about this state-of-the-art Hi-Def MRI. We’ve had a surge in business since we’ve put this in.” 

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