Hennepin Healthcare Clinic & Specialty Center adds patient-friendly, fast-scanning MRI to its comprehensive imaging services

Hennepin Healthcare Radiology again demonstrates its commitment to excellence by offering state-of-the-art MR imaging with the first MR scanner in Minnesota that includes Compressed Sense. This new technology reduces the length it takes to create diagnostic images by up to 50 percent. This scanner is one of the many innovative solutions found in Hennepin’s new Clinic & Specialty Center.

“We are excited to offer the Philips Ingenia Elition 3.0 MRI with Compressed Sense system to our patients,” explains Chip Truwit, Chief of Radiology at Hennepin Healthcare. “Not only does it capture the diagnostic images we need in a shorter amount of time – the quality and process is so superior that it also significantly reduces the need for re-scans. This is a huge benefit to our patients – and to our workflow.”

Part of that process includes the Philips Ambient Experience, which offers an immersive audio-visual experience to calm patients and guide them through MR examinations. Patients can choose themes to watch during their exam to help shift their focus away from the scanner. This, along with more space and in-bore lighting help patients feel more comfortable and less confined while being scanned.

“By reducing our patients’ anxiety, as well as enhancing their experience, we are able to optimize our image acquisition and fulfill the increasing demand for MR scans being ordered each day,” said Dr. Truwit.” In addition, this fall, the Hennepin scanner will feature an entirely new means of accommodating the slight respiratory motion seen in almost all patients in MR scanners.

The innovative MR technology and new CT scanners are strategically and conveniently located on the first floor of Hennepin Healthcare Clinic & Specialty Center adjacent to the Orthopedic Clinic and Comprehensive Cancer Center where patients have the highest need for diagnostic imaging services.

Hennepin Healthcare’s comprehensive radiology services include interventional radiology, X-rays, CT scans, mammography, angioplasty, ultrasound, MRI, and other special procedures – many of which are available at HCMC and the Clinic & Specialty Center, and at Whittier Imaging at Whittier Clinic in South Minneapolis.