Sheridan Memorial Hospital Installs Advanced 3-Tesla MRI

Sheridan Memorial Hospital Medical Imaging Manager Stephanie Williams and Registered Radiologic Technologist and Radiology Practitioner Assistant Chris Bilyeu appeared on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to discuss the hospital’s new magnetic resonance imaging machine.

The SMH Radiology Department is currently installing and training on the new 3-Tesla MRI, which features a magnetic field strength about double that of most standard clinical scanners operating at 1.5 T.

Williams said the traditional MRI, producing 1.5 Ts, is still a reliable piece of equipment. But the new 3 T produces finer images in half the time and can be used to find smaller abnormalities or injuries. 

S. Williams 

Bilyeu said the option for a 3 T is great to have. The machine is able to produce better images in half the time, a benefit for both radiologists and patients who may feel uneasy in confined spaces.

However, the stronger magnets are not suitable for everyone. Bilyeu noted that certain implants cannot be scanned safely, and some patients may experience brief side effects such as nausea from the magnetic field. To ensure those patients can be scanned on location, SMH will continue to use its 1.5 T MRI. The addition of the second machine will also reduce wait times so physicians can make informed decisions more quickly.

C. Bilyeu

Guided by a patient-focused approach to medicine, Sheridan Memorial Hospital continues to expand its services to ensure residents can access advanced diagnosis, treatment, and recovery close to home.

As much of the operating system is the same, according to Williams and Bilyeu, the team at SMH should be trained and using the new machine within the next few days.