Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a revolutionary diagnostic medical imaging tool. The veterinarian must have a thorough understanding of the core principles of MR imaging to provide timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment of the patient. MR imaging is achieved by using the inherent magnetic properties of the hydrogen atoms in the body, the relatively strong magnetic force of the scanner and radiofrequency pulses generated by the scanner.
There are many advantages to using MR over other imaging modalities. This generally non-invasive imaging technique offers superior sensitivity and specificity to pathological changes in both the soft tissue and osseous anatomical regions. An additional benefit is that there is no ionizing radiation used in MR imaging.
Hydrogen atoms are plentiful in the body and have a magnetic spin making them the perfect source for MR imaging. Placing an animal in the magnetic field causes all the hydrogen protons in the body to react to the magnetic force. Even though they are aligned with the magnetic field, they are not “in phase” with each other.
In order to get the hydrogen protons to temporarily be “in phase” or aligned with each other, a radiofrequency pulse is applied for milliseconds. When this RF pulse is turned off the protons relax back to their normal states. Every type of body tissue (white matter, gray matter, fat, muscle, bone, etc.) contains different amounts of hydrogen and each returns to its normal state at a different rate. During this relaxation phase, the tissue gives off a magnetic resonance frequency that is detected by the specially tuned veterinary coils. This data is processed through the scanner’s computers to create the images that are seen on the monitor. Our MR scientists and engineers have strived to perfect the software, hardware and coil designs to achieve the optimal MR images on our scanners.
Why choose UMS for your MRI?
MRI is making its mark in veterinary medicine. Clinically, it has been shown to reduce the invasiveness of surgery as well as the time of the surgical procedure. It can often give your clients the answers they need to make decisions concerning their family members. Offering MRI as a diagnostic tool will set your clinic apart from the rest. UMS has set itself apart from the rest by offering the only dedicated veterinary MRI scanner on the market.
What are the details of the rental program?
Universal Medical Systems has been a market leader in veterinary imaging technology. UMS would like to expand its network to include clinics looking to move into the 21st century by offering their clients the best diagnostic care available. We have the proven expertise with hundreds of installations to manage the technical details. A newly designed rental agreement helps to introduce the technology to your staff.
UMS will rent you one of our dedicated Vet MR systems including the installation of the scanner, train your staff on-site, maintain, repair and upgrade the system. Your responsibilities include: a $25,000 non-refundable down payment; site preparation including electrical, HVAC or other construction considerations; equipment needed for monitoring and general care of the patients; and a $495 fee paid to UMS for every MRI scan done on a patient.
What about the image quality on the MRI?
Many scientists, engineers and veterinarians have spent untold hours developing the scanner, hardware, software, coils and sequences for this dedicated veterinary MR unit. Years of development have been invested to provide the best possible images. With our expert world-wide team we strive to provide outstanding service for installation, training and maintenance, so every clinician will have the best images possible at hand to use in the diagnosis and treatment of their patients.
Can I really get out of this rental at any time?
Yes! UMS wants to partner with veterinarians to promote the use of MRI in veterinary medicine. If the outcome is not beneficial to all parties there are provisions in the formal contract specific to dissolution of the rental agreement. Please refer to the formal contract for specific details.