COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Bassett Healthcare Network has invested in new MRI technology at its Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown to improve patient comfort while providing fast, high-quality scanning, the health system announced. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a medical-imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of […]
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Bassett Healthcare Network has invested in new MRI technology at its Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown to improve patient comfort while providing fast, high-quality scanning, the health system announced. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a medical-imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the body. Bassett has added the Philips Ambition X MRI and Ambient Experience systems, built in Latham, integrates room design, dynamic lighting, mirrors, video, and calming sounds to give patients greater control of their surroundings to reduce stress levels during a process that many feel uneasy about. This can lead to better patient compliance with the scan, which requires little to no movement in order to capture clear images, according to the health system. A 2020 survey by Philips found its Ambient Experience led to a 70 percent reduction in the need for rescans and an 80 percent reduction in patient sedation. “This was my first MRI, and I must tell you, I was a bit nervous,” Patti Howland, an employee in Bassett Medical Center’s Radiology Department, said in a news release after trying out the new MRI system. “As a person who is not fond of small places, I was concerned I might get a bit claustrophobic. The staff was fantastic about explaining the procedure and excited to show me the images that would be displayed over my head. Unfortunately, my particular scan required that I keep my eyes closed, but the music was so soothing, I honestly almost fell asleep. I can truly say that I think the music and visual effects make a huge difference in comfort.” Bassett has added the Ambient Experience to its existing MRI machine at the Cooperstown hospital as well. The new Ambition system also operates with just seven liters of liquid helium instead of the usual 1,500 liters and never needs refilling, making it a more ecofriendly option than a standard MRI magnet, the release stated.