BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers ‘RIGHT THERE’—Dr. Robert Acquarelli, radiologist and physicisexamines an MRI image of the brain, looking for signs of a stroktumor, infection or trauma, all of which can be detected by thhospital’s new unit. The Aspen Outpatient Center unveiled its $1.4-million Magnetic Reasonance Imaging (MRI) machine to the public last week.

MRI technology uses a powerful magnet and a radio frequency signal to scan the body in three different directions: top to bottom, front to back and side to side. It creates detailed images of organs and tissues that help doctors in diagnosing problems with the brain, central nervous system and tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone marrow. Some have called MRI surgery without the knife.

The strength of the MRI’s magnetic field is described in terms of Tesla. A giant junkyard magnet ranges from about 1.5 to 2 Tesla. The new MRI is 1.5 Tesla.

“A super conductor magnet gives us an excellent image,” said Stephanie Maricano of the new machine. She’s one of the center’s four technologists who’ve received specialized training on the new equipment.

The new machine will give the center the capability of imaging the breast, something the old machine couldn’t do.

“The beauty of this new machine is that now we can keep current with software upgrades, expert service and advanced technology for our patients,” said Monica Berlin, the center’s director of diagnostic imaging.

The old MRI, which was 16 years old and eight times heavier, had been upgraded to capacity, said Lisa Hansen, chief technologist.

“It’s a good improvement,” she said, adding that it’s faster and more patient-friendly.

Since the new machine makes less noise overall than the old one, now patients can actually hear the music provided through headphones, Hansen said. Moreover, patients no longer have to use body signals to communicate with the technologist operating the machine in another room. A speaker makes it possible for the two to talk to each another during the scanning process.

Although it’s not considered an open-MRI, the Cheerio-shaped machine has a compartment that appears more open because it isn’t as long as the old one and less of the patient’s body is immersed inside.

The original price tag was $2 million, but the hospital negotiated it down to $1.4 million, Berlin said.

An MRI session generally lasts for 30 to 45 minutes and costs about $1,800, although it could be twice that figure depending on what the doctor orders.

The Aspen Outpatient Center, located 2750 N. Sycamore, Simi Valley, provides imaging services and same-day surgical procedures and is home to the Nancy Reagan Breast Center. For more information, call (805) 955-8100.