Jihlava Hospital is expanding the possibilities of modern diagnostics. It has officially put into operation a new 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, the only device of its kind in the Vysočina Region. The new technology will make some examinations faster while giving doctors a more detailed image of the structures being examined. The hospital will now have two MRI scanners – the new 3T unit and the existing 1.5T unit.
The acquisition of the new MRI scanner is a major step in modernising diagnostic care at Jihlava Hospital. Compared with the more common 1.5 Tesla scanners, a device with a magnetic field strength of 3 Tesla offers higher image quality and provides a more detailed image of certain parts of the human body. For patients, another important benefit can be a shorter examination time for selected types of scans.
"The new 3T MRI scanner is a significant investment, above all in the quality and availability of care for our patients. I am pleased that we have managed to bring to Jihlava Hospital a technology that is unique in the Vysočina Region. I see its greatest benefit in allowing us to perform some examinations faster while obtaining a more detailed image. For patients this means a more comfortable examination, and for doctors better information for making a diagnosis and planning treatment," says Ing. Alexander Filip, Director of Jihlava Hospital.
Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the key imaging methods that allow doctors to visualise soft tissues, organs and other structures of the human body in detail without the use of ionising radiation. The new device with a magnetic field strength of 3 Tesla delivers higher image resolution and can show certain structures in greater detail.
"We see the main benefit of the new 3T MRI scanner in its high image quality. For some examinations we can obtain much more detailed information, which is particularly important where we need to assess small structures or pathological changes very precisely. A better image helps us both in diagnosis and in subsequent decisions about treatment," explains MUDr. Martina Wollmuthová, Head of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging at Jihlava Hospital.
The more powerful technology also allows shorter scanning times for many examinations. The length of an examination always depends on the area being examined and the type of sequences required; nevertheless, in some cases the new technology may mean less time spent in the scanner. This is important, for example, for patients who find a longer stay in the MRI scanner uncomfortable.
"Every reduction in examination time benefits the patient. At the same time, we do not want to trade quality for speed. On the contrary, the goal is to use the new technology to obtain a high-quality, detailed image in the shortest possible time. Another advantage is that we can choose between the 3T and the 1.5T scanner depending on the type of examination the patient needs," adds MUDr. Martina Wollmuthová.
With the new technology in operation, Jihlava Hospital now has two MRI scanners. Alongside the new 3T scanner, the existing device with a magnetic field strength of 1.5 Tesla remains in service.
Doctors can therefore choose the more suitable technology according to the specific type of examination and the patient's needs. At the same time, the department's capacity will increase, allowing more efficient scheduling of examinations and better use of available appointments.
"Being able to work with two MRI scanners is very important for our department. It is not just about acquiring a new device, but also about expanding our capabilities. We can better distribute examinations between the two technologies and make use of the strengths of each according to the specific request. Ultimately, we want to offer patients high-quality diagnostics as soon as possible," adds MUDr. Martina Wollmuthová.
Investment of more than CZK 56 million
The new 3T MRI scanner represents an investment of CZK 56,246,850 including VAT. The project is financed with European Union funds under the National Recovery Plan.
The installation of the almost eight-tonne device was a technically demanding process that included preparing the department, positioning the equipment itself, and subsequent testing and commissioning.
"For me, the most important thing is that people from Vysočina should not automatically have to travel outside the region for state-of-the-art diagnostics and, above all, should not have to wait long for an examination. Our aim is to offer diagnostics with available appointments. Now that we can have a 3T MRI scanner right here at Jihlava Hospital while keeping the existing device, we are once again taking access to healthcare a step further. Our modern hospital is being built and equipped not only from the regional budget. For such costly investments, we want to make maximum use of European funds, and we are successful both in obtaining and in using them. The point is for the money to translate into a specific service that patients will notice when they need it," says Ing. Martin Kukla, Governor of the Vysočina Region.
"It is important to us that, thanks to this investment, we can offer patients from Jihlava and the whole region modern diagnostic technology right here in our hospital. The fact that this is the only 3T MRI scanner in Vysočina underlines the importance of Jihlava Hospital as a major healthcare centre in the region. Our goal is not only to acquire modern technologies, but above all to use their potential meaningfully for the benefit of patients," concludes Ing. Alexander Filip, Director of Jihlava Hospital.
With the official launch of the new 3T MRI scanner, Jihlava Hospital is expanding its diagnostic capabilities and continuing to modernise its healthcare. Above all, the new technology brings more detailed imaging, potentially shorter examination times for selected indications, and further options for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
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