Athens Regional Medical Center now offers two convenient methods of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In addition to the high-field MRI located inside the hospital, the Physician's Imaging Center on King Avenue is home to our new Siemens Medical Solutions' Espree Open MRI system.
The Espree MRI, the only one of its kind in Northeast Georgia, is a revolutionary step forward in MRI design. Resembling a CT scanner in appearance, it combines a very wide opening (2.3 feet), a very short magnet (about 4 feet), and the powerful performance of a 1.5 Tesla magnet (equivalent in strength to most traditional, "high-field" MRI systems) to deliver image quality and patient comfort not seen before in other Open MRI systems.

Very large patients, and those who are claustrophobic, will find an MRI scan in the Espree to be much more comfortable than a scan in a traditional "closed" MRI system. And the strength of its magnet-it's four to five times stronger than most other Open MRI scanners-assures high quality images and extremely fast scans times.
The Espree Open MRI at the Physicians Imaging Center replaces a previous-generation Open MRI system which, like most other Open MRI scanners, had significant limitations as to the types of MRI studies it could perform most effectively.

What is MRI? MRI produces images of the body without the use of radiation, unlike x-ray and CT scanning. Instead, it uses the physical properties of magnetic fields, radio waves and computers to provide a quicker and more accurate diagnosis for your physician who, in some cases, can reduce the need for exploratory surgery and other diagnostic procedures, which might have an associated risk. MRI is used for all parts of the body and is effective in the clinical evaluation of the following conditions:

How does MRI work? The computer processing of signals emitted by body tissue forms MR images. These signals are generated using a safe-magnetic field in combination with radio waves of a specific frequency. Differences in body tissue are revealed through this process and translated into different contrast levels on the image. Athens Regional's on-site radiologist can then view the MR images and form a clinical diagnosis

What is it like for a patient? Patients simply should prepare to be very still for the 30 to 60 minute exam. A technologist will assist the patient onto a padded, moveable scanning table. The table and the patient are positioned inside the opening of the MRI scanner. Open-Access MRI allows the patient to be seen by the technologist at all times. The patient may talk to the technologist should a need arise and family is allowed in the room throughout the exam. During the scan, patients will hear a variety of sounds, humming and thumping noises typically. These noises are normal and a sign that the exam is proceeding as required. An on-site radiologist will typically read the results of the exam within a day.

How do I prepare for the MRI? No special preparation is necessary prior to the MR exam. However, because of the magnetic field, all those who enter the exam room should remove coins, jewelry, watches, glasses, credit cards, keys, hairpins and other metal objects from their person. In addition, patients who have undergone brain, ear or eye surgeries should notify their physician before agreeing to the exam or inform the technologist before entering the exam room.