On September 30th a 10,000-pound magnet was delivered to the Imaging Department at Pershing Health System (PHS). This magnet is a part of the new Canon Vantage Orian Aero X Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit. Orian is state-of-the-art and will provide patient comfort and high-quality imaging testing for PHS patients of Brookfield and surrounding communities. Previously, patients were using a mobile MRI unit that came to PHS one day a week. The much-anticipated arrival has required an abundance of preparation which included designing a special room for the new piece of equipment.
“MRI machines use magnets and radio waves to produce images so there had to be extensive planning in preparing the area for the installation of the new MRI machine,” explained Brian Dapkiewicz, Installation Project Manager. “This project has been in the works for over a year to plan and ready the Imaging Department for the unit’s arrival.”
Careful assessment and preparatory steps included the evaluation of the electrical systems, HVAC setup, and existing equipment. This helped to identify any potential sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and guided the radio frequency (RF) shielding plan. The RF shielding prevents the radio frequency from entering the MRI scanner and distorting the images/scans. All exposed metal in the room, including door handles, hinges and screws are made from non-magnetic materials. A magnetic 3/8” shielding made up of 10 layers of 20-gauge metal is on all the walls and floors. A 10 x 10 copper shielding is placed on the floor under the MRI machine. This shielding protects the entire room from the outside radio frequencies that could interfere with the MRI machine.
Kelly Schwager, PHS Imaging Director, explained that the MRI unit will be tested for a three-week period before patient appointments will be scheduled. PHS is committed to having state of the art equipment in our rural community for the health and convenience of our patients.
About The Vantage Orian Aero X MRI
Orian is a state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system featuring whisper quiet scanning, clearer imaging scans, rapid scan times, and guarantees comfort for the patient. Thanks to Pianissimo technology, Orian has up to 99% noise reduction delivering whisper-quiet scanning. This new MRI machine is faster without compromising image quality. Not only does the new magnet allow patients to feel comfortable at PHS while receiving their MRI scan, Orian is replacing outdated technology. The Orian machine has one of the largest openings, ensuring comfort for patients. Like other MRI magnets, the Vantage Orian Aero X, can take sharp images of patients’ bones/joints, brain/spinal cord, heart and blood vessels and organs.
How does an MRI work?
MRI technology uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in your body. The machines are large-tube shaped machines allowing the patient to lay inside as cross-sectional images are taken. This non-invasive process allows professionals to examine the body and help diagnose a variety of conditions to assist with developing patient treatment plans.
The PHS Team
Pershing Health System continues to show commitment to their patients by providing state-of-the-art equipment.
The Orian MRI machine is the newest member of the list of PHS equipment in the Imaging Department. Other high-tech imaging tools are The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ System by Hologic® machine, Horizon® DXA system from Hologic®, Canon Aquillion Lightning 80 Slice CT Scanner, GE LOGIQ E9 Ultrasound, and the Samsung GM 85 Portable XRAY machine.
