Faster, more comfortable MRI exams at Makati Med with Siemens machine

MANILA, Philippines -  True to its commitment to provide modern hospital care, Makati Medical Center launched its new and improved Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) service with the acquisition of the German-made MRI machine Siemens Magnetom Aera 1.5T, the latest MRI system from industry giant Siemens. 

“We want to become the predominant imaging center in the country,” says Ramon Santos-Ocampo, MD, chairman of MakatiMed’s Department of Radiology. “We have a dedicated team of radiologists and technologists who has specialized in providing the best imaging service for our patients. Now, we’re matched with a state-of-the-art machine.”

MRI is a radiology technique that provides vivid images of anatomical structures using magnetic fields instead of X-rays. It is used in the detection of abnormalities in organs and tissues such as tumors, aneurysms, tears, or inflammation.

 According to Dr. Santos-Ocampo, the Magnetom Aera produces images that are sharper and clearer than other systems, leading to more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

The machine is also more patient-friendly. “It has a more spacious design and better lighting to lessen claustrophobia in patients,” adds Dr. Santos-Ocampo. “The new machine can handle plus-size patients weighing up to 250 kilograms (500 lbs.).”

MakatiMed has also added an MRI-compatible anesthesia machine for patients who need sedation to make the examination more comfortable.

Other advantages to the new system include additional information in spectroscopy that will help doctors identify breast cancer in its early stages; ability to map iron deposition in the heart or liver; cartilage mapping for detecting abnormal changes in the cartilage in the knees; whole body MRI and diffusion imaging for complete screening; prostate spectroscopy to determine the need for biopsy; and diffusion tensor imaging and functional  MRI  to aid in planning brain surgery to minimize damage.

“The new system removes the guesswork and variability of the examination present before,” notes Dr. Santos-Ocampo. “All branches of medicine will benefit from this technology now available at MakatiMed.”

For more information, call the Department of Radiology at 888-8999 locals 2076, 2070, 2071; e-mail mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit MakatiMed at the ground floor of Tower 1, Makati Medical Center, 2 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City.