MRI
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed pictures throughout your body. It is unique among imaging options because there is no radiation used. It is also special because it can detect such a wide range of soft-tissue organs.
MRI is the best choice for diagnosing joint or spinal problems. It is also widely used to diagnose sports injuries - especially those to the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow or wrist. It is also highly effective at diagnosing heart and vascular disease, as well as strokes and cancer.
Depending on the number of images needed, most MRI exams take between 15 and 45 minutes. Sometimes a contrast substance is used to make things like your blood vessels stand out. Most patients find the hardest part of the exam to be holding still during the imaging process.
Breast MRI
What is a Breast MRI?
MRI can be a very effective tool in assisting in the early detection of breast cancer or other abnormalities of the breast. Breast MRI pictures show the difference between normal and diseased tissue and help doctors to determine what the inside of the breast looks like.
Why is it performed?
A breast MRI is useful in studying dense breast tissue, scar tissue at a prior lumpectomy site and breast abnormalities that can be felt but are not visible with mammography or ultrasound. MRI is also useful in helping to determine whether breast cancer has spread into the chest wall, which may affect the treatment course or in detecting if a cancer is limited to one area of the breast. It is an extremely reliable device for evaluating breast implants for rupture or leakage.
Does it replace mammography?
No, a breast MRI does not replace mammogram. Mammography is currently the only FDA approved exam to screen for cancer in women with no symptoms of the disease or who are at low or average risk of developing cancer. MRI is approved by the FDA as a viable supplemental tool for improved detection of breast cancer in women who are at great risk of developing cancer.
Breast MRI locations
WFH - Elmbrook
19333 S. North Ave., Brookfield
262-785-2288
WFH - Franklin
10101 S. 27th ST., Franklin
414-325-4980
WFH - St. Francis
3237 S. 16th St., Milwaukee
414-647-5132
WFH - Wauwatosa
201 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa
414-259-7236
High-Field Open MRI
Imaging Services at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - Elmbrook Memorial is pleased to offer you the diagnostic advantages and patient comfort benefits of the world's leading high-field Open MRI system.
Our High-Field Open MRI, located at Elmbrook Memorial, is one of the most comfortable systems on the market. It combines speed and an open environment patients want with the superb image quality that physicians demand. It uses magnetic fields, radio waves and computer processing techniques to obtain excellent images of many areas of the body.
Comfort and Reassurance
Our Open MRI has a clear, unobstructed space on three sides. Patients can see and talk to imaging personnel or hold hands with a loved one for reassurance during the exam, a particular benefit for pediatric and geriatric patients, individuals who feel claustrophobic or are larger than average. In over 8,000 studies done worldwide, open MRI patients rate this technology 99.9% acceptable for comfort, speed and efficiency.
Here are some benefits:
- Accommodates patients weighing over 450 pounds
- Convenient, central location with ample free parking
- Courier-delivered reports and films within 24 hours if needed
- Images read by board-certified Radiologists
- Participation with most insurance providers
- Same day/next day appointments available
- Same day telephone or FAX results available to your physician
- Ultra-high resolution images
The registered MRI technologist involved in your scan will do all they can to make your examination a pleasant experience. For more information or to schedule an Open MRI appointment, call (262) 785-2400.
Location:
Elmbrook Memorial - High Field Open MRI
Seeger Medical Building
20611 Watertown Road
Waukesha, WI.
Many of our Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare locations offer MRI technology. For more information or to schedule an MRI appointment please call (866) 960-9100.