Using iPIX™ photographic technology, you can take a first-hand look at Fort Sanders West's new Open MRI. Click on the photobubble above to begin your tour. Also See: Patients and Families Receive Help through Brain Injury Services Coordination (10/25) October School of Good Health (10/04) Fort Sanders West Diagnostic Center Fort Sanders West

That was before Kelly underwent an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) last November to discover the source of unexplained pain. Before the test could be completed, she panicked and the test had to be stopped. Yet, Kelly really needed to have the MRI done. It was necessary to diagnose her discomfort.

After an encouraging conversation from the MRI staff at Fort Sanders West Diagnostic Center, they persuaded Kelly to try the procedure again. "I went back because they were so nice to me the first time I was there," says Kelly. "When I went back the second time, I took my daughter with me. The MRI staff talked me through the entire test, and I was finally able to complete it. They never once treated me as though I was overreacting, and they totally understood how difficult this test was for me."

"Randy Carr, MRI operations manager, was so nice to me," said Kelly. "He stayed after his shift was over just so he could talk and work with me during the procedure in order to get my test completed. Because of their level of caring and compassion, I plan to go back to Fort Sanders West Diagnostic Center for any test I must have in the future."

Kelly was tested in an open MRI scanner, a new technology designed for children, elderly people, larger or more athletically built people, and those who are anxious or claustrophobic. The open MRI can accommodate the same patients as the closed MRI units, as well. The technologist has a 360-degree access to the patient and is in voice contact at all times. The room is especially designed to create an open atmosphere and includes an internal stereo music system.

"MRI open technology has come a long way in relieving the fears of many people who suffer from claustrophobia, post traumatic stress syndrome, and other problems that would make a conventional, closed MRI test impossible," said Carr.

"Surveys indicate that 67 percent of all people would choose an open MRI scanner (rather than the closed system) if given the choice because it is less stressful," said Carr. "We are proud to say, people come here not only for open MRI scanning but because they receive compassionate service and quality care from our staff."

Magnetic resonance imaging creates a finely detailed image of the inside of the body through the use of a magnetic field. The magnet causes spinning of the nuclei of the hydrogen atoms that are prevalent within the human body. The magnetic field sends radio waves that flip the hydrogen atoms which, in turn, release energy. This process is recorded and analyzed through an advanced computer process that can present both two and three-dimensional images. This procedure often eliminates the need for exploratory procedures or biopsies.

Kelly has been receiving treatment for on-going osteoarthritis. The MRI scan helped rule out other conditions that could cause the same symptoms she was experiencing. "I think this is a really good point to make," she said. "I worried so much, I thought I had cancer or something else," said Kelly. "People always fear the worst before they go into a test like this."

Kelly is employed at the Farragut Health Care Center, a long-term care facility. She said her MRI experience has made her an even better nurse. "Anytime a health care professional experiences a frightening test, a death, or an illness, it makes you more in tune with what your patients are living through each day. It just increases your understanding and your level of compassion."

A Covenant Health facility, Fort Sanders West Diagnostic Center offers open MRI scanning , women's imaging services, The Breast Center at Fort Sanders West (ACR accredited), ultrasound (ACR accredited), CT scans, nuclear medicine, bone densitometry, cardiology services, arthrography, myelography, tomography, hysterosalpingography, fluoroscopy, as well as routine X-rays.