UMC WELCOMES FIRST PORTABLE MRI SYSTEM TO THE REGION

UMC WELCOMES FIRST PORTABLE MRI SYSTEM TO THE REGION

EL PASO, Texas – Today, University Medical Center of El Paso is proud to announce another advancement in healthcare as the region’s first portable MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) system goes into operation today. The system, known as the Swoop, is revolutionizing MRI scanning by bringing the MRI system to patients, at bedside.

“This is another advanced tool our providers have to have scans done for patients who are too sick or unable to be transported downstairs for imaging,” said Greg Erickson, Assistant Administrator Ancillary Services. “This is a system that brings healthcare in El Paso another step forward, in line with what we are seeing in some of the top healthcare systems in the nation. For the last month, we have been training 25 UMC Associates to operate the system and now, in time for Christmas, it’s ready for patients.”

Initially, the Swoop system will be used for follow-up scans on patients with brain injuries or otherwise being treated for brain issues in UMC’s Neuro ICU Department. “Not only does this bring added conveniences, but it also expedites our ability to provide MRI’s when medically necessary. This brings the system to the patient, in minutes,” added Erickson. The Swoop system is small enough to fit in elevators and through doorways, making it very maneuverable in large, busy hospital environments, such as UMC.

The Swoop is manufactured by Hyperfine and is the world’s first magnetic resonance imaging system capable of providing neuroimaging at the point of care, can inform the timely diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions within a broad range of clinical settings. Hyperfine designed the Swoop system to address the limitations of current imaging technologies and make MR imaging accessible nearly anytime and anywhere in a hospital setting. The system drives directly to a patient’s bedside, plugs into a standard electrical outlet, and is controlled by an Apple iPad®. Ready to scan in less than three minutes, the system enables care decisions without patient transport to a radiology suite. Small and highly portable, the system is ideal for neuroimaging in intensive care units and pediatric facilities. Imaging sequences include T1, T2, FLAIR, and DWI (and accompanying ADC map). The open design of the Swoop Portable MR Imaging System provides an opportunity to reduce patient anxiety, while the innovative magnet configuration enables loved ones to stay safely at a patient’s bedside.

About UMC: For 107 years, University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) has been providing exceptional, high quality care for the entire El Paso region. UMC is home to the region’s only Level I Trauma Center, the only Joint Commission-Certified Comprehensive Level I Stroke Center, and the first Level IV Maternal Critical Care Center.
UMC’s mission is to Heal, to Serve and to Educate.

For more UMC News, go to: http://www.umcelpaso.org (News Releases at bottom of main page.)
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