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Providence Imaging Center (PIC) is proud to announce the only GE 3 Tesla magnet in the state, right here on the PAMC campus!

A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system at Providence Imaging Center (PIC) assists physicians in diagnosing a wide range of patient conditions and prescribing the right treatment to expedite recovery.

The Signa HDx 3.0T MRI system from GE Healthcare helps healthcare providers definitively diagnose the most complex cases. From sports injuries to patients who need a neurosurgical workup, healthcare providers can diagnose with confidence. The Signa HDx 3.0T, which is more powerful than the previous 1.5 T scanner it replaces, uses the latest High Definition (HD) technology to produce superb, high-resolution images.

"We often read about MRI technology being used to help healthcare providers diagnose injuries in professional athletes," says Jon Coyle, MD, Director of MRI. "Our new system allows us to examine sports injuries in more detail than ever before. Additionally, it helps us diagnose patients who have serious illnesses so that their healthcare providers can prescribe treatments with confidence."

Magnetic resonance imaging uses radio waves and a strong magnet field rather than X-rays to produce very detailed, cross-sectional images of the body. MRI requires specialized equipment and expertise and allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible with other imaging methods.

"We are pleased to be the first in Alaska to offer the GE 3 Tesla magnet, the latest in MR imaging technology, and to provide the highest quality diagnostic power to our patients and their healthcare providers," says Laura McDonough, PIC's executive director. "It will help us make the right treatment decisions and speed up the recovery process."

"PIC's magnet was installed in the building in early June, and has been scanning patients since mid July," states Lyle Downing, MRI supervisor.  "We are the only imaging center in Alaska to offer four new capabilities:  spectroscopy, which provides initial tumor evaluation and post radiation treatment and surgical response; CartiGram, which makes the assessment of articular cartilage the most accurate possible; white matter tracking, which will help neurosurgeons determine the best possible approach for a tumor excision, thereby reducing a patient's recovery time and any functional loss;  and lastly we will be adding the precursors needed to perform some basic functional imaging on our patients.  Furthermore, the time patients spend in the magnet will be reduced.  They can relax and listen to the music of their choice during any MR exam."