Exquisite Anatomic Detail

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a safe, painless, and potentially one of the most accurate, noninvasive procedures available to obtain images of the body. In many cases, a high quality MRI reveals exquisite anatomic detail and eliminates the need for additional diagnostic procedures.

In MRI, a magnet is used in conjunction with radio waves and a sophisticated computer system to generate accurate images of the body without using any radiation. MRI is frequently used to study muscles, joints, the brain and spine, the abdomen, pelvis, chest and blood vessels.

Our 1.5 Tesla MRI is perfect for multiple applications and enhances our Radiologists’ ability to interpret exams for conditions such as cardiac disease, vascular disease, stroke, musculoskeletal joint disorders, abdominal/pelvic conditions and brain disorders.

Tower Saint John’s Imaging couples MRI technology with our Radiologists’ expertise to provide exams such as Breast MRI – a breakthrough study aiding in the diagnosis and staging of breast cancer.

GE Discovery 750W 3.0 Tesla MRI

In Addition to our 1.5 Tesla MRI, Tower Saint John’s Imaging has also added the GE Discovery 750W 3.0 Tesla MRI, which is helpful with large and claustrophobic patients.

New service lines:

• Functional MRI (fMRI)
• Advanced Neuroimaging including CSF Flow
• Cardiac and vascular advanced imaging
• Best in class MR angiography without contrast for patient with renal insufficiency
• Best in class metal suppression for patients with orthopedic hardware (MAVRIC)
• Advanced abdominal and pelvic imaging with our new GE 3T scanner, such as MR Rectal Cancer staging, MRCP and Enterography, producing exams of outstanding diagnostic quality
• Silent scanning for certain sequences
• Patient experience enhancement with audio and video capabilities

The MRI Procedure

Because MRI uses a strong magnetic field, please notify your physician or our office prior to your exam if you have a pacemaker, artificial heart valve or any other metal inside your body. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing, and may be asked to wear a gown to prevent any magnetic interference with buckles or zippers.

You will be positioned on a cushioned table that will slide into the MRI machine. A Technologist will monitor the exam at all times and a speaker system keeps you connected to the Technologist.

Depending on the type of exam ordered a special coil may be used to image certain areas of the body, or a contrast agent may be injected through an IV. This is known as MRA, Magnetic Resonance Angiography, and is a procedure used to clearly see blood vessels.

A typical MRI exam takes approximately 30 – 45 minutes.

Following an MRI Exam

Once the MRI study is complete, one of TSJI’s Radiologists will interpret the exam and report the findings to your physician. Your physician will contact you to discuss the results of your exam.

MRI Santa Monica – Tower Saint John’s Imaging
2202 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Telephone: 310.264.9000