New imaging packages, a first for Queensland
- Release Date: 27/02/2006
- Media Contact: Miranda Hunt 0410 417 790
Tuesday 27 February, Mater will be boosting its 3T MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) capacity by being the first hospital in Queensland to access a new cardiac and research package thanks to Philips, to celebrate its first year of operation.
The 3T MRI is the most clinically advanced MRI machine currently available in Australia and Mater is the only public hospital in Queensland with a 3T MRI. Mater also remains the only facility using the 3T MRI to scan children in the state.
An MRI is a non-invasive device that uses radio waves and magnetic fields to view internal body structures and soft tissues, including the brain, spinal cord and muscle. The 3T MRI machine increases operator efficiency by 30% and reduces 85% of patient-perceived noise.
The new cardiac performance package is an all encompassing imaging package that assesses cardiac function using unprecedented speed and accuracy.
Radiology specialist, Dr John Williams is very excited about this latest development as Mater Health Services continues to grow its scanning portfolio.
“The packages from Philips have been designed to address the needs of both the clinicians and the patients, giving a more accurate diagnosis in a quicker time.”
“We are looking forward to building our cardiac MRI in readiness to begin children’s cardiac imaging in March 2008,” Dr Williams said.
As part of the package, Philips is also giving Mater a free test run of a cutting edge research package which will aid a number of researchers across Mater campus, in particular, cancer researchers.
According to Dr Paul Mainwaring, Director of Medical Oncology, there is a lot of potential to more accurately define tumour volumes and chemical signatures using the 3T MRI.
“The 3T MRI shows extensive detail that other scanners can’t, so you can assess more accurately how the patient is responding to novel therapies,” Dr Mainwaring said.
Philips will be giving the packages to Mater at the 3T MRI facility on Tuesday, 27 February at 10am.