New open MRI system installed at STHS's Weslaco ER

WESLACO, Texas - South Texas Health System has installed a High Resolution 1.2 Tesla Open MRI system at its Emergency Room in Weslaco.A Tesla unit is a measurement of magnetic field strength as it applies to Magnetic Resonance Imaging systems. STHS hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house to mark the arrival of its new state of the art Hitachi Oasis 1.2T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system, the first of its kind in the Valley.Wes Robinson is assistant chief nursing officer for South Texas Health System Heart and the system’s six freestanding emergency departments. Robinson said the Hitachi Oasis 1.2T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system is considered the highest field strength open MRI system in the industry, pointing out that it is an open scanner that provides patients with a 270-degree unobstructed view. Open to the front, back and most of the sides, it is equipped with a spacious bed allowing for a much more comfortable experience for bariatric, claustrophobic, geriatric and pediatric patients, Robinson pointed out.“South Texas Health System has always strived to transform healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley by investing inadvanced medical technology for our patients, and this new open MRI machine is a perfect example of that commitment to our community,” Robinson said.“While we provide traditional MRI services at our facilities across the region, this new open MRI system will help improve the overall experience for our patients without sacrificing image compromise.”Laurence Weinreich is director of radiology for South Texas Health System Edinburg and South Texas Health System’s freestanding emergency departments. Weinreich said the open MRI system offers musculoskeletal, neuro, vascular and body imaging capabilities. He said the 1.2-tesla magnet results in shorter scan times while capturing high-resolution images.“This Hitachi Oasis system will really change the MRI game in the Valley, with its unmatched patient comfort, rapid workflow and clinical capabilities,” Weinreich said.“As part of our commitment to providing quality, compassionate care to the patients in our community, we are confident this new open MRI system will ensure the best diagnostic results available without the anxiety and stress getting an MRI can trigger in patients.”Open MRI services are available at South Texas Health System ER Weslaco, located at 330 W. Expressway 83, Weslaco, TX 78599, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Here is a podcast from the ribbon-cutting ceremony.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.