Toshiba EXCELART Vantage MRI

Radiology purchased two 1.5T Toshiba EXCELART Vantage systems that have excellent patient comfort features and advanced imaging techniques and capabilities.

Patient Comfort
Both magnets have an ultra-short bore (the shortest gantry in the world) to reduce the need for sedation due to claustrophobia.

The magnets are considered “quiet gradient” systems that have a new technology called Pianissimo, which drastically reduces the level of noise by 90% compared to conventional gradient systems.

Imaging Techniques and Capabilities
The new MRI units have the capability to perform exams that we had previously not been able to do before, such as MRCP, contrast enhanced MRA, and echo planer imaging (EPI).

• MRCP: With this examination, we are able to evaluate the biliary tract, pancreatic duct and the gallbladder
• Contrast Enhanced MRA: These new units give us the ability to carry out contrast enhanced MRA studies which include the Circle of Willis, carotid arteries, renals, peripheral arteries, run-offs and more.
• EPI: This imaging allows us to execute echo planar imaging, which would include diffusion and perfusion acquisitions that will provide useful neurological information.

New Coils
A dedicated wrist coil has been purchased. This will allow greater SNR and more uniform coverage. This also plays a part in patient comfort, as the positioning is more tolerable to the patient.

A QD neurovascular coil that allows us to image neurovascular structures from the Circle of Willis to the aortic arch has also been purchased. The split-top design is more patient friendly and less intimidating to the patient.