Blanchard Valley Hospital has added a new MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) system with a design focused on patient comfort.

The new system, called the Siemens Open Bore Aera MRI, can accommodate larger patients, reduce claustrophobia and provide faster imaging than many traditional MRI units.

The new MRI system has a 70 cm open bore, which is the tube-like structure of the MRI machine where the patient lies during the imaging. This is much larger than traditional MRIs and can accommodate patients up to 550 pounds.

In addition, this MRI unit has a shorter design which allows the patient’s head to be outside the system in many exams. This helps alleviate concerns of claustrophobia. Advanced technology of this unit allows for faster, more efficient exams, creating a less stressful MRI experience.

MRI exams are non-invasive diagnostic imaging of soft tissues, bones and muscles. They have become one of the fastest growing types of medical diagnostic tests in the U.S. and are used for orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, breast imaging, oncology and more.

For more information about this new MRI imaging system, visit www.bvhealthsystem.org or call 419.423.5248.