After months of planning and renovating, the Department of Radiology is excited to announce that it has installed a brand new state-of-the art 3 Tesla MRI unit at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. The Siemens 3T unit is one of now two MRIs at West Campus.
The ultra-high magnetic field strength of 3 Tesla will allow for:
- Higher resolution imaging with optimized contrast
- Bio-matrix guided imaging for faster scanning
- Improved and expanded functional MRI capabilities
In addition, the modern design and high-end technology has multiple additional advantages including:
- Wide Bore to accommodate a better fit and enhanced accessibility to the patient
- Virtual Cockpit – Siemens scanner access from other locations Texas Children’s locations.
“This is a very exciting step toward broadening the scope of highly specialized care we can offer our patients in the West Houston area,” said Radiologist-in-Chief Dr. Thierry A. Huisman. “One of our main goals in the Department of Radiology, and across the Texas Children’s system, is to provide the right care, at the right time at the right place. The addition of the Siemens 3T helps us do that more so than ever.”
The room where the new MRI unit is housed was designed specifically for children. Covered in an aquatic-themed mural, the soothing ambiance helps reduce anxiety and decrease the need for sedation.
“We also use MRI- safe video goggles designed specifically to assist patients in MRI with minimizing claustrophobia and anxiety,” Huisman said, adding that children can pick a movie to watch during their procedure. “These goggles create a 3D virtual entertainment environment while reducing MRI noise.”
Due to the use of this entertainment environment and child-friendly atmosphere, 70 percent of MRI exams are now performed without sedation.
The addition of the Siemens 3T MRI adds to what is already a comprehensive suite of radiology services offered at West Campus. What is now offered at the community hospital is:
- MRI (1.5 T and 3T)
- CT
- Ultrasound
- X-ray and Fluoroscopy
- Interventional Radiology
- Multiple subspecialty pediatric radiology expertise including Musculoskeletal Radiology, Neuroradiology, Cardiac Imaging and much more.
“I’m very excited about what this new addition will bring to the hospital, our medical staff, and most importantly, our patients,” Huisman said.
