 |
Pediatric Cardiology Associates | |||||
| Practice of Congenital Heart Disease | ||||||
Cardiac MRI
Cardiac MRI is quickly becoming an essential non-invasive imaging modality for the assessment of cardiac function and vascular anatomy. Dr. Adrian Moran, who received his training at Boston Children's Hospital, is the first, and only cardiologist in Maine with expertise in cardiac MRI. "Magnetic Resonance Imaging overcomes some of the shortcomings of ultrasound by enabling the physician to image 2-dimensional slices of the heart from any angle. Using complex, post-processing algorhythms, the cardiologist can then construct a 3-dimensional model of the heart which can be viewed from all sides, as if you were holding a plaster model," says Dr. Moran.
What is MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging technology that uses strong magnet and radiofrequency waves to produce pictures or "images" of your heart and blood vessels. There is no radiation needed to create the images obtained by MRI.
Because MRI allows us to see inside your heart and blood vessels from any angle with great clarity, it gives your doctor a wealth of information about the structure and working that previously required invasive testing such as cardiac catheterization, radioactive testing or has never been previously possible.
What To Expect
Upon arrival at Maine Medical Center (Bramhall Campus) you should go to the Radiology Department. There you will be required to complete a questionnaire to ensure it is safe to proceed with the scan (see below). A typical scan takes 1-1.5 hours. Expect to spend 2 hours in the MRI division. In preparation for the scan ECG leads will be attached to your skin and an intravenous line may be required. During the scan you will be asked to hold your breath multiple times. These breath holds last ~ 6-12 secs depending on the picture being taken. It is very important to lay still during the study. If you are claustrophobic please discuss this with your cardiologist as we can prescribe medications to be taken the evening and morning prior to the study. If you are given such medications you should have someone else come to drive you home.
Magnets and Metal Don't Mix
You must let us know if you have a pacemaker, surgical clips, prosthesis, metal implants or any other metal objects in your body. Some implants (e.g., a pacemaker) may be affected by an MRI examination. If so, we will determine whether or not you should proceed with the MRI.
Any metal materials that might be affected or attracted by the powerful magnet used for MR imaging should be left at home or given to the MRI staff for safekeeping. This list includes your watch, coins, keys, bobby pins, credit cards, and such things as pocket knives.
You should also be certain that you are free of metal flakes or slivers on your skin, as found in some eye make-up or as a result of working around metal finishing or grinding equipment.
If you have concerns, talk with your doctor. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (207) 773-2723.
