The new 3 Tesla GE Excite HDx Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center will provide a greater level of detail and higher resolution and support neurosurgical and cardiac programs.

The $3 million machine is expected to scan faster, provide clearer images and set a new standard for scans at the hospital.  In particular, the MRI's higher contrast will provide better differentiation of the brain and tumors, said Geri Skelley, Director of Radiology for Le Bonheur said. The 3T model is now considered the standard for neurological imaging.

Dr. James Wheless, Director of Le Bonheur's Comprehensive Epilepsy Program and Neuroscience Institute, said the new 3 Tesla MRI machine will allow the institute to continue to be on the cutting edge of technologic advances in diagnostic imaging.

"This will allow us to provide higher quality images of children's brains, and improved diagnostic accuracy," Wheless said. "This will further establish Le Bonheur's role as the best facility in the region to perform MRIs on children."

Skelley added, "At Le Bonheur, we care for specialized pediatric cases everyday. In our Radiology department, we are able to provide both the clinical expertise and comfort that is required to diagnose children."