MRI/MRA High Field & Open at Rye Radiology Associates

Rye Radiology Asssociates has recently added a 1.5 Tesla high field MRI to our practice in addition to our open MRI. The advanced imaging capabilities of this system will enable us to perform high resolution MRI of the breasts with 3-D CAD analysis of the images.  The MRI suite was specifically equipped with MRI compatible vacuum assisted needle biopsy capabilities allowing us to perform MRI guided breast biopsies on lesions which show up only on MRI and are not present on mammography or ultrasound.

In addition to being able to perform imaging on joints, head, spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis, this MRI has advanced MR angiography capabilities.  The new MRI has a larger opening than most high field MRI units in current use, and is designed to accommodate patients weighing up to 550 lbs.  Of course, for those patients who cannot tolerate even this very comfortable high field MRI, we continue to provide MRI services on our open Aris-II Hitachi MRI.

How MRI Works

The MRI equipment uses a magnetic field rather than x-ray to produce images. The magnetic field of the MRI forces hydrogen atoms in the body to line up in a certain way (similar to how the needle on a compass moves when you hold it near a magnet). When radio waves are sent toward the lined-up hydrogen atoms, they bounce back, and a computer records the signal. Different types of tissues send back different signals. The study can produce dozens to hundreds of images with no radiation.

Some MRI exams require contrast injection. The contrast allows for better visualization of some body structures.