Abbotsford Regional upgrades MRI to large-bore scanner

ABBOTSFORD, BC – People in Fraser Valley will benefit from enhanced imaging and faster scanning with new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre. The current MRI department is undergoing a $4.95 million upgrade.

During construction, a mobile MRI will remain on site to ensure patients have uninterrupted access to MRI services for the duration of the project.

“This is an important step forward in ensuring that the Fraser Valley community continues to receive timely, high-quality care,” said Josie Osborne, minister of health. “With approximately 8,000 MRI scans conducted at Abbotsford Regional Hospital last year, we are providing state-of-the-art technology to help reduce wait times and improve access to life-saving imaging for residents of the Fraser Valley.”

The hospital’s existing MRI scanner will be stripped down to its magnet and undergo a complete refurbishment.

“The existing MRI has exceeded its lifespan,” says Kevin Enns, executive director, medical imaging, Fraser Health. “The refurbishment option allows us to maintain the existing magnet, the most critical component of the MRI scanner, while surrounding it with the latest components to bring it up to top standard in the industry.”

From an environmental perspective it makes sense to keep the magnet rather than replace it. Much like renovating a house, the foundation – in this case the magnet – will remain in place while the physical components of the machine are replaced and MRI suite is renovated.

The new refurbished MRI, a Signa Artist 1.5 EVO MR30 from GE HealthCare – will combine artificial intelligence (AI), new coils, and advanced software to produce detailed and clearer images, especially for challenging anatomies. Features include feet-first or head-first entry, tilting to allow for better head and neck positioning and a larger bore size to accommodate patients of different sizes.

The upgraded MRI can perform some exams up to 50 percent faster than the current unit. It is also quieter, which helps to reduce anxiety in claustrophobic patients or those with cognitive impairments.

“It is imperative that we have advanced technology and uninterrupted access to MRI services in the Fraser Valley,” said Liz Harris, executive director, Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation. The Foundation partnered with The Crystal Gala Foundation, which has raised $1 million for the MRI upgrade.

“I can’t thank our donors enough for helping to equip Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre with vital equipment that allows residents of the Fraser Valley to get the diagnosis and treatment they need in their own community,” said Gerri Charles, chair, Crystal Gala Foundation.

Advanced MRI can help detect abnormalities of the brain and spine, as well as tumours, cysts and soft-tissue injuries in other parts of the body. MRI is used to detect cancers in the breast, brain, abdomen, prostate and lymph nodes, as well as cardiac and neurological diseases.

The modernized MRI is expected to be operational next year.