FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - - For information, contact: Mike Conrath 239.262.2708
NDIC ADDS CARDIAC MRI CAPABILITY
NAPLES, FL., March 3, 2003 - Naples Diagnostic Imaging Centers (NDIC) has announced the addition of a high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner that includes specialized software for cardiovascular exams. The scanner, a Gyroscan Intera CV from Philips Medical Systems featuring state of the art capabilities and a patient-friendly design, is stationed in NDIC's Central Office.
"This scanner introduces the cutting edge technology in magnetic resonance imaging to Collier County," comments Dr. Gerald Grubbs of Naples Radiologists, P.A., the physician group that serves both NDIC and the NCH Healthcare System. "That means not only the clearest, most diagnostic images available today, but also the highest level of patient friendliness."
This MRI system also stands at the forefront of heart care technology. Without making any incisions or placing any catheters into a patient's artery, radiologists can visualize the beating heart. The anatomy of the heart, the valves of the heart, and the individual chambers of the heart can all be assessed. More importantly, how well the heart is functioning can be assessed by analyzing cardiac wall motion, blood flow to the heart muscle, blood flow through the heart chambers, and blood flow into the main branches of the coronary arteries.
"Importantly, this system has the capability of replacing an array of exams, saving the patient time, money, and in some cases, an invasive procedure," continues Dr. Grubbs. "Performed on an outpatient basis, the exam requires about 30-45 minutes and will be able to provide more information than current studies such as an echocardiogram and nuclear medicine cardiac stress tests."
Naples Radiologists, P.A. will be working with cardiologists to provide "Stress" Cardiac MRI's. While cardiac catheterization will remain the protocol for workup and management of acute heart problems such as heart attack and unstable chest pain syndromes, Cardiac MRI may be able to eliminate the need for nuclear cardiology procedures for patients with atypical chest pain syndromes whose heart anatomy, blood flow, and function are normal on the MRI.
Similarly, the system can be used to visualize blood vessels throughout the body. Blockages to arteries to the brain, the kidneys, and the abdomen and legs can be seen in as little as 15 minutes with the new scanner. "The MRI eliminates the need for a diagnostic arteriogram," states Dr. Grubbs. "And, since many of these problems can now be treated with stents to reopen blocked arteries, a quick, focused interventional procedure can be done at NCH and the patient can go home the same day."
At the same time, patient comfort issues have been addressed with this technology. Shorter and wider than any other high field MRI scanner, the Gyroscan Intera offers a comfortable open environment that virtually eliminates patient anxiety, even for large and claustrophobic patients. The scanner's suite features a glass block wall that allows indirect sunlight that enhances the open feeling.
MRI scans use computers and magnetic fields to create pictures of the human anatomy. The scan does not involve any surgical or other invasive procedures, nor does it involve any radiation exposure. Currently, about 12.9 million MRI exams are performed each year, and that number is increasing annually.
Naples Diagnostic Imaging Centers, Naples' first medical diagnostic radiology facility, offers Open and High Field MRI, Diagnostic Radiology, Spiral CT, Cardiac Calcification Screening, CT of Chest for Lung Cancer Screening, Positron Emission Tomography (P.E.T.), Mammography, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Osteoporosis Evaluation, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine and Non-invasive Vascular Testing. Its physicians, all associated with Naples Radiologists, P.A., are the only in their field to have privileges at Naples Community Main Campus and North Collier Campus Hospitals. Four outpatient facilities - North Naples, Central Naples, East Naples and Marco Island - are available to serve patients. Scheduling can be arranged by calling 435-7777.
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