NEWEST MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING TECHNOLOGY NOW IN PLACE AT HOLSTON VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

KINGSPORT – A new “short-bore” magnetic resonance imaging unit in place at Holston Valley Medical Center offers unparalleled comfort and superior scanning technology to patients of all ages, shapes and sizes.

The GE 1.5T Signa magnetic resonance system, Holston Valley’s second MR unit, is more open than traditional units and can comfortably accommodate claustrophobic and overweight patients, as well as children. The short-bore system utilizes the newest high-field technology available to generate scanned images of the human body of unmatched quality.

“With the new system, the opening for the patient is wider and considerably more comfortable,” said radiologist Kelly Cassedy, MD. “There’s less claustrophobia. But you don’t sacrifice any image quality at all.”

Magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive diagnostic technology that uses a strong magnet and radio waves to produce images of internal organs and structures. MR imaging is particularly useful for scanning the brain and spine, Dr. Cassedy said.

The new MR unit at Holston Valley utilizes cutting-edge software to provide enhanced images that can help doctors more quickly identify the signs of a stroke and better evaluate brain tumors. Additionally, the unit can generate detailed images of blood vessels in areas such as the neck, abdomen, kidneys and legs – often eliminating the need for painful invasive studies.

“This unit provides clinical performance without compromise,” Dr. Cassedy said. “The comfort needs of patients are met without sacrificing image quality.”

Holston Valley is the only facility in Northeast Tennessee – and one of a handful in the state – to receive American College of Radiology certification of its MR system. This certification signifies that HVMC’s MR equipment is of the highest quality, its technologists well-trained and its physicians highly skilled in MR imaging.

“We are extremely proud to be the first in Northeast Tennessee and one of the first in the state to earn this certification,” Dr. Cassedy said.

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