Intermountain Medical Center in Murray is the first hospital in Utah, and only the second in the United States, to use an advanced MRI imaging system designed to support doctors in improving diagnoses for heart and cancer patients, according to an August 27 statement.
GE HealthCare’s SIGNA Sprint Elite MRI utilizes advanced technology and AI software to reduce scan times and produce clearer images for clinicians.
The new GE HealthCare MRI machine began operation at Intermountain Medical Center earlier this year and is already assisting doctors with improving diagnoses and treatments. Brent Wilson, MD, an Intermountain Health cardiologist at Intermountain Medical Center, stated that clearer images allow doctors to use new approaches to mapping injured heart tissue, calling the technology a big leap forward in cardiac MRI.
The system includes built-in AI technology designed to help reduce the signal to noise ratio, a level of interference that can reduce image quality. This technology enhances image clarity in a way that was not available on previous Intermountain Health MRI machines.
The ability to provide clearer imaging may significantly reduce the time required for patients to be scanned, potentially allowing the hospital to serve more patients. Amy Warnick, an MRI coordinator at Intermountain Medical Center, noted that faster scans can reduce wait times and prevent delays in diagnosis and care.
Warnick added that the new machine improves patient comfort by allowing scans without requiring patients with heart issues to hold their breath for extended periods.
Joel Christensen, an enterprise client director at GE HealthCare, said the collaboration aims to help clinicians obtain information needed to make timely, confident care decisions for patients with serious conditions like cancer and heart disease.
