Radiology Associates introduces Hitachi Oasis

The only true high-field open MRI on Central Coast

Radiology Associates opened the Central Coast’s first high-field-strength truly open MRI scanner at their Santa Maria office, Digital Medical Imaging, last summer.

In the past, to achieve a truly open design, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanners were required to be low-field-strength. These low-field open scanners have long exam times, with relatively poor image quality. However, the new scanner at Radiology Associates, the Hitachi Oasis, has both a truly open design and high-field-strength. 

As a result, patients have a much more spacious exam experience than on tubular scanners because of the vertically oriented magnetic field, which allows an innovative parallel-plate design.

The open MRI has been very well-received by patients, who find it much less claustrophobia-inducing than tubular MRI or even CT (computed tomography). Ultrasound is the only imaging modality that is less claustrophobia-inducing than the new open MRI scanner. In addition, because it is a high-field strength scanner, the exams are as fast as any tubular MRI scanner.

The images created on the scanner are of excellent quality. In general, they are of similar or higher quality than all of the high-field-strength tubular MRI scanners currently available on the Central Coast, including the most recently installed machines. 

The Hitachi Oasis is equipped with the latest and most-advanced software, gradients and coils. These features combine with the high-field-strength to produce the highest-quality images. 

Not only does the scanner have a spacious, open design, but it was also designed to accommodate large patients with a table weight limit of 660 pounds. Because of the open design, almost all body parts can be centered in the isocenter or “sweet spot” of the magnet. This is particularly important for off-midline joints, such as wrists, elbows, shoulders and hips. When these joints are scanned in traditional tubular scanners, they cannot be positioned in the isocenter of the magnet, and therefore the image quality suffers. Because of the accessibility of the isocenter, radiologists who have access to this machine consider the Oasis the magnet of choice for MSK imaging. 

Patients interested in learning more about the Oasis are advised to call Digital Medical Imaging in Santa Maria at 928-3673, Five Cities Medical Imaging in Pismo Beach at 779-7900 or Radiology Diagnostic Center in Templeton at 434-0829. Visit the Radiology Associates website at rasloimaging.com.

Erik M. Olson, M.D.

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