Beginning in late 2017, doctors and the radiology specialists of Jackson
Hole Medical Imaging will have an additional state-of-the-art MRI for
patients who require advanced diagnostic imaging. The hospital’s
existing MRI is currently operating at capacity.
“Radiology is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,”
said Michelle Kren, administrative director of St. John’s diagnostic
imaging department. “And we are booked every day.”
The new unit, the MAGNETOM Skrya 3T, is the second scanner the hospital
has purchased from Siemens Healthcare, known for its best-in-class technology
and superior image quality.
The “3T” in the name is short for “3 Tesla” technology,
a reference to the strength of the magnet that is used to take images
of the structures of the body. The magnet strength is twice that of the
existing unit, the MAGNETOM Aera 1.5T. This additional magnetic strength
allows for quicker images that are more detailed and clearer. St. John’s
also purchased dedicated coil technology specifically designed to take
images of extremities: shoulder, hand, wrist, foot, ankle, and knee.
The Aera 1.5T will remain in use, serving as the backbone of the diagnostic
imaging department. “The 1.5 Tesla is useful for many general applications,”
said radiologist
Robert Jones, MD. “No medical center has just a 3 Tesla.”
This is because the 3T technology isn’t necessarily the best for
all applications. It’s not recommended in cases where people have
certain implants in their bodies, or when the scans will take longer,
as the new scanner is more sensitive to a patient’s inadvertent
movements.
Both MRI units are designed to prevent feelings of claustrophobia because
they have openings that are over two feet wide. Both utilize the same
software: Tim™ 4G (fourth generation of Total imaging matrix technology)
and Dot (Day optimizing throughput) for faster, more comfortable exams.
And both use Quiet Suite technology, which offers up to 70 percent noise
reduction on certain scans.
The new machine could also be used to support a new oncology service spearheaded
by radiation oncologist Dr. Ryan Bair. He will be treating some breast,
gynecological, skin, and prostate cancers with high-dose radiation called
brachytherapy, if the community need is established. The 3T MRI offers
highly detailed images of the prostate, which helps with diagnosis and
brachytherapy treatment planning.
The Medical Center is also upgrading its imaging equipment in its outlying
ambulatory clinics. Both the Clinic at Teton Village and Family Health
& Urgent Care will get new digital X-ray equipment this fall, and
the hospital will get a second portable digital X-ray unit.
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Media contact: Karen Connelly, 307 739 7380,
kconnelly@tetonhospital.org
ABOUT ST. JOHN’S MEDICAL CENTER
St. John's Medical Center in Jackson, Wyoming, offers patient-centered
clinical excellence and community wellness services through a full-service
hospital, primary care, and specialty physician practices, and a long-term
care Living Center.
ABOUT ST. JOHN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
The mission of the
St. John’s Hospital Foundation is to secure philanthropic support to advance the mission and strategic
objectives of St. John’s Medical Center, including patient-centered
care, clinical excellence, and community wellness.