A new, state-of-the-art MRI system is now home to the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. The new system is expected to perform more than 1,500 cardiac scans each year, which will supplement the 76,600 diagnostic imaging scans performed yearly in Edmonton.
The new system is expected to perform more than 1,500 cardiac scans each year, which will supplement the 76,600 diagnostic imaging scans performed yearly in Edmonton.
The Aera MRI system uses powerful magnetic fields to read hydrogen atoms in the human body to scan the heart. The cardiac MRI is less invasive, with no incisions and the patient can go home.
has advanced technology that produces highly-detailed diagnostic images of complex structures in the body, including three-dimensional imaging.
This is the first system of its kind in Canada and the only Aera in North America used specifically for cardiac imaging.
"Cardiac MRI provides very detailed information and often replaces the need for multiple other diagnostic cardiac tests. This also reduces discomfort and risk for the patient," said Dr. Richard Coulden, cardiothoracic radiologist and clinical lead of the new Elko MRI Unit at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.
This new cardiac MRI, which was made possible through a $2.65-million donation from the University Hospital Foundation and Edmonton philanthropists Ernie and Cathie Elko, went into operation in April.
"Because we love people and sick people need help," said Cathie Elko.
Cindy Bouw has already benefited from the system. It gave her answers after suffering dizzy spells. She was told she could have fallen victim to what doctors describe as a silent killer.
"I didn't know what to think, certainly not a heart attack," she said.
Bouw says because of the MRI, she now knows she has a heart defect and escaped a close call.
"I'm really lucky because how many people need this MRI? Like how many people will it be life-changing for them?"
With files from Serena Mah
