Advanced Imaging Center's Open MRI features the
Hitachi AIRIS
Open MRI, the most advanced open MRI system. It was the first Open MRI
in the Antelope Valley and still the only high-quality one. With our
Open MRI you can enjoy the benefits of MRI without the fear of
confinement.
This state-of-the-art open MRI has a unique,
"open on all 4 sides" design which is non-claustrophobic. It
has a weight limit of 450 pounds. There are no loud knocking noises like closed-in
magnets. Our MRI suite is custom designed and patient friendly. The
MRI technologists are specially trained to perform your exam
professionally while ensuring your maximum comfort.
MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, is a method used by
physicians to visualize internal organs of the human body and obtain
diagnostic information. These images are produced without the use of
radiation. MRI is a noninvasive procedure and there are no known side or
after effects. The procedure is painless. You won't see or feel
anything during the exam. A faint knocking sound will be heard which is
the imaging process in operation.
MRI utilizes the physical properties of magnetic
fields, radio waves, and computers to generate images of the body in any
plane. The technique is an established, accurate diagnostic tool. It
can quickly and noninvasively provide accurate diagnosis for your
physician, which in some situations will reduce the need for exploratory
surgery or other diagnostic procedures which may have greater risk.
The benefits of magnetic resonance imaging are vast and
new applications are continually being developed through ongoing research.
MRI imaging is used for virtually all parts of the body. It is the
primary imaging modality for evaluation of diseases of the brain and
spine. It is effective in depicting abnormalities of the eye, paranasal
sinuses, throat, salivary glands, and the thyroid.
MRI is the method of choice for imaging of the
musculoskeletal system and is widely used for evaluation of the shoulder,
elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. It can also accurately depict
abnormalities within the bone marrow.
It has many applications in the cardiovascular system.
The display of blood vessels known as MR angiography is an accurate,
noninvasive means of obtaining information about arteries of the head,
neck, and body.
It is also effective in demonstrating congenital
cardiac abnormalities. MRI is also important in evaluation of the organs
of the abdomen and pelvis including the liver, pancreas, kidneys, ovaries,
uterus, and prostate.
Facts about AIC's
Hitachi AIRIS
OPEN MRI
1. The first high-quality OPEN MRI in the Antelope Valley (in
use since January 1998)
2. Open on all 4 sides, thus a true OPEN MRI in all
sense of the word (also called open-sided or open-air, as can be seen on
the right and top left).
3. Relaxing décor in the MRI suite with sky-like ceiling with
clouds and tropical wall design (see pictures).
4. The first MRI-accredited site in the Antelope Valley ...
approved by the American College of Radiology's MRI Accreditation
Committee.
 |
 |
The FIRST
High-Quality truly
OPEN MRI (open on all sides) in the valley |
Typical Closed
Tunnel MRI |
OPEN MRI: Open-sided (Open-Air) MRI
system that offers the best of both worlds: Open on all 4 sides for
maximum comfort with highest-quality of its kind.
Facts about services at AIC
1.
The only community-based, private-practice, physician-operated
imaging facility in the Antelope Valley, just like any other private
practice medical office. Not belonging to any hospital or outside
imaging network. This means more personal and caring service.
2. AIC was the first MRI-accredited site in the Antelope Valley
... approved by the American College of Radiology's MRI Accreditation
Committee.
3. Dr. Ray Hashemi is the only radiologist in the area with
fellowship training in ALL aspects of MRI, including neuro and
musculoskeletal MRI.
Why is AIC the PIONEER in advanced medical imaging in the
Antelope Valley?
1. AIC was the first to introduce a high-quality OPEN MRI
(open-air or open-sided MRI) to the Antelope Valley (January 1998).
2. AIC was the first to introduce Short-bore OPEN High-Field (1.5
Tesla) MRI to the Antelope Valley (January 1999).
3. AIC was the first to introduce multi-slice CT (MSCT) to the
Antelope Valley (August 1999); upgraded to a 16-slice CT in 2003.
4. AIC was the first to introduce revolutionary 3D Ultrasound to
the Antelope Valley (April 1999); upgraded to a GE 4D Ultrasound in
2004.
5. AIC was the first to introduce a PET scanner to the Antelope
Valley (July 1999).
6. AIC was the first to achieve MRI Accreditation in the Antelope
Valley (July 2000).
