November 19, 2012
Story by Colin Zak; Photo Courtesy ACHF
A powerful new diagnostic tool at Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH) is offering increased comfort to young patients and higher resolution images than ever before.
The 3Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (3T MRI) scanner is a state-of-the-art, non-invasive and radiation-free technology that will help hundreds of children every year, including those with neurological and mental health conditions, including epilepsy, concussion, stroke, depression and neuro-developmental disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
“The new 3T MRI will help us to better understand the complexities of a child’s brain,” says Dr. Jong M. Rho, Division Chief of Pediatric Neurology with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and holder of the Dr. Robert Haslam Chair in Child Neurology.
“For decades, our knowledge of the brain came mostly from surgery or autopsy. With this new technology, we hope to find new ways to study the developing brain and ultimately identify novel treatments to prevent neurological disorders, to minimize the impact of brain injury and illness, and even reverse brain damage when it occurs.”
ACH is the first pediatric hospital in Western Canada to be equipped with a 3TMRI. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to make precise images of the body, allowing physicians to diagnose conditions affecting the spine, vascular and musculoskeletal systems.
With a magnet twice the strength of the hospital’s current MRI scanner, the new device produces more detailed images of patients’ internal anatomy.
Dr. Deepak Kaura, Director of Radiology at ACH, says the new technology will help pave the way for a whole new era of imaging research.
“Our new 3T MRI, dedicated to children, gives us high-definition images unlike any we have had before, enabling us to visualize not only anatomical structures, but chemistry and functions as well,” says Kaura. “Because of the wide bore opening, children will feel more comfortable and less claustrophobic in the machine, potentially reducing the need for sedation.”
The 3T MRI is made possible by more than $4-million of community and donor investments.
“We are so thankful; to the many generous donors who funded this incredible technology,” says Saifa Koonar, President and CEO of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. “In addition to advancing care and research, the new 3T MRI has also enhanced the hospital’s ability to recruit many new child health experts in Calgary.
“Our community continues to make this hospital the best it can be to help children and families in need today and for years to come.”
