Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive, diagnostic imaging test that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of tissues and organs inside the body.
Longstreet Clinic is now home to the first in-house 1.5T SIGNA Voyager MR System in the state of Georgia. The new system, manufactured by GE, promises sharper imaging, reduced exam times and rescans as well as enhanced patient experience through noise reduction, motion forgiveness and the elimination of breath holds.
Longstreet Clinic radiologist David Kimball, M.D., said the new system allows for better imaging quality and sharper detail on a consistent basis.
“The software allows for much faster imaging, which means we can shorten the scan quite a bit,” Kimball said.
According to GE the SIGNA Voyager “changes the MR experience for the patient” by forgiving motion, reducing noise and eliminating breath holds. Calming videos and sounds also are projected during the scan to promote relaxation.
“The Voyager MRI has a lot of patient comforts in mind,” added Longstreet radiologist Scott Kellermeyer, M.D. “It’s a much wider open tube so less of the patient is inside the tube during the scan, meaning the patient doesn’t feel as constrained as with traditional MR systems.”
The MRI is now centrally located on the first floor of the clinic’s main 725 Jesse Jewell Parkway location and includes reserved parking spots for MRI patients.
Imaging tests offered in outpatient settings like Longstreet Clinic tends to cost less for the patient, making it more accessible to a broader group of people. For more information about MRI technology and other imaging services at Longstreet Clinic, call 770-539-9391.
