MRI scanners can produce images of the beating heart, giving accurate and detailed information about the structure and function of the heart, without invasive procedures. However, the narrow opening of the scanner can be uncomfortable for some patients.
“The new 3T GE Premier MRI scanner has a wide bore and ultra-light ‘Air’ coils, increasing patient comfort”, Professor Damian Tyler, OCMR Director of MR Physics explained.
The participants that are the first to be scanned on the new machine are taking part in a study led by Associate Professor Masliza Mahmod (pictured, second from right), the Head of Clinical Trials Group, OCMR, which investigates the effects of a new drug on the symptoms and exercise capacity of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle disease). Eligible patients will have MRI scans before and after a period of treatment with either the drug or a placebo (dummy pill). The study aims to assess if the new drug improves symptoms in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Professor Mahmod said ‘We’re hopeful that this new GE scanner will allow us to do many more studies exploring the structure and function of the heart, and allow us to include patients with different types of heart conditions.”