News Release

October 3, 2005

Contact: Maureen McGuire, 860-679-4523
e-mail: mmcguire@nso.uchc.edu

New Open MRI at UConn Health Center

Faster Scanning, More Accurate Diagnoses

FARMINGTON, CONN. – A new open MRI at the University of Connecticut Health Center offers a more comfortable and accurate approach for imaging. The open MRI is housed in the Health Center’s new Medical Arts and Research Building, which is dedicated to the diagnosis and care of problems affecting bones, joints and connective tissue.

The open MRI scanner contains the strongest magnet available in an open design. MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a non-invasive tool that uses strong magnets and computer imaging to diagnose diseases.

“It uses a .6 Tesla magnet that is more powerful than most open MRIs,” said Bipin Jagjivan, M.D., a radiologist and director of radiology at the Health Center. “This allows for faster scanning and the ability to more accurately detect subtle disease processes that were previously only seen in closed systems.”

Plus, Dr. Jagjivan notes that because the MRI is open on three sides, it alleviates claustrophobia for many patients.

Other new imaging devices in UConn’s new Medical Arts and Research Building include a 16-slice CT scanner, which provides detailed 3-D images of the most intricate anatomical structures and systems in the human body. UConn also offers state-of-the-art bone densitometry services as well as digital X-ray, ultrasound and vascular imaging.

“Our comprehensive imaging center is at the heart of the new Medical Arts and Research Building. It allows for improved diagnostic work and at the same time, ensures patient comfort,” Dr. Jagjivan added.

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

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