The patient oriented Hitachi Altaire high-field system provides a comfortable environment during magnetic resonance imaging examinations.  It has an award winning open gantry design, with an asymmetric two-post architecture that provides easy access from all four sides and offers the patient a comfortable non-claustrophobic environment.  The open design easily accommodates not only claustrophobic patients but also those who are anxious or larger than average.  The spacious gantry opening also provides the healthcare professional the opportunity to directly attend to patients with access on all four sides, while offering patients a comfortable scanning environment with a magnet that delivers high-field performance.

Popular features of the Altaire include the comfortably padded patient table, which is power-driven in three directions and aids in transferring patients from hospital beds and wheelchairs.  The table is also extra wide and ultra thin, supporting large patients.

To ensure maximum comfort and convenience, a two-way intercom system provides communication between the technologist and the patient during the exam.

MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, is a method used by physicians to visualize internal organs of the human body and obtain diagnostic information. These images are produced without the use of radiation. MRI is a noninvasive procedure and there are no known side or after effects. The procedure is painless and you won't see or feel anything during the exam. A faint knocking sound will be heard which is the imaging process in operation.

MRI utilizes the physical properties of magnetic fields, radio waves, and computers to generate images of the body in any plane. The technique is an established, accurate diagnostic tool and it can quickly and non-invasively provide accurate diagnosis for your physician, which in some situations will reduce the need for exploratory surgery or other diagnostic procedures, which may have greater risk.

The benefits of magnetic resonance imaging are vast and new applications are continually being developed through ongoing research. MRI imaging is used for virtually all parts of the body. It is the primary imaging modality for evaluation of diseases of the brain and spine. It is effective in depicting abnormalities of the eye, paranasal sinuses, throat, salivary glands, and the thyroid.

MRI is the method of choice for imaging of the musculoskeletal system and is widely used for evaluation of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. It can also accurately depict abnormalities within the bone marrow. It has many applications in the cardiovascular system. The display of blood vessels known as MR angiography is an accurate, noninvasive means of obtaining information about arteries of the head, neck, and body.

It is also effective in demonstrating congenital cardiac abnormalities. MRI is also important in evaluation of the organs of the abdomen and pelvis including the liver, pancreas, kidneys, ovaries, uterus, and prostate.