Liverpool hospital installs MRI system to enhance cardiac care

Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has expanded its cardiac MR imaging capabilities with the installation of a MAGNETOM Aera 1.5 Tesla MRI system from Siemens Healthcare.

The deployment follows the installation of a Siemens SOMATOM Definition Flash CT system earlier in the year.

The Aera has helped to reduce patient waiting times by providing increased capacity for cardiac imaging. It has also enhanced patient comfort resulting in reduced claustrophobia.

The system features a 70cm open bore and short system for enhanced patient comfort, while its advanced post-processing abilities automate a number of processes to assist workflow and maintain image quality. Furthermore, the system’s implementation of Total imaging matrix (Tim4G) and Day optimising throughput (DOT) technology, together with 48 channels and lightweight coils, ensures flexible and comprehensive exam strategies.

Janette Rekatas, radiology manager at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, said: “The Aera’s installation has enabled us to develop and expand our cardiac imaging capabilities at the hospital. Patient feedback has been very positive since the installation – the open bore and short system design has led to a significantly reduced rate of claustrophobia, increasing efficiency and patient throughput in the process.”