Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging technology that uses a strong magnet and radiofrequency waves to produce pictures or "images" of your internal organs and structures. Because MRI allows us to see inside your body from any angle with great clarity, it gives us a wealth of information more quickly and, in many cases, more economically than past tests and exploratory surgeries.

Breast Imaging of Oklahoma was the first facility in the state to have dedicated breast MRI equipment, demonstrating BIO's commitment to having the most advanced technological equipment available for diagnosis. The magnet power was increased recently, providing better resolution on the MRI films. The only other site in the United States with a 1.5T dedicated breast magnet is in Knoxville, Tenn. 

Breast MRI is not used for routine breast cancer screening, but rather is useful to provide more information about a suspicious area detected on a physical exam or mammogram. One of the key uses of MRI presently is to assist in the evaluation of a breast cancer patient who wants breast-conserving surgery.

Images from MRI are extremely precise, so precise that we can often get as much information from MRI as we could from looking directly at the tissue. For this reason, MRI has the potential to reduce the need for certain diagnostic surgeries.  MRI does require the use of a contrast agent or dye and therefore does necessitate the placement of an IV catheter for the procedure and possibly the administration of a sedative.

Breast MRI is used primarily to evaluate breast implants for leaks or ruptures, and to assess abnormal areas that are seen on a mammogram or are felt after breast surgery or radiation therapy. It is also helpful for women with a high risk of malignancy and when there is a history of scarring or trauma, according to a study supported by the National Cancer Institute.

In MRI, a magnet linked to a computer creates detailed pictures of areas inside the body without the use of radiation. Each MRI produces hundreds of images of the breast from side-to-side, top-to-bottom, and front-to-back. The images are then interpreted by a radiologist.

Also, it is the best method currently available for the evaluation of genetically at-risk individuals without clinical or mammographic abnormalities, according to the NCI study.

Breast MRI-Guided Biopsy

Women classified at high risk for breast cancer now have the chance to find the smallest abnormality at the earliest possible state of development and have it biopsied in just over half an hour without leaving the MRI suite and without undergoing surgery for a diagnosis.

Breast Imaging of Oklahoma became the first facility in the state to provide the technology.

Traditionally, breast biopsies meant surgery, particularly in women with a family history of breast cancer, dense breast tissue or women with breast implants.

The high-risk population is often evaluated with MRI to detect suspicious lesions or breast cancer at the earliest possible stage. MRI-guided breast biopsy with vacuum assistance -- or ATEC -- has proven to be as reliable as open surgery for acquiring tissue samples that offer definitive pathological results.

The unique technology is most effective in those high-risk cases because often a breast MRI is needed for detection, and the vacuum-assisted biopsy completes the process.

The biopsy brings out a more intact core tissue sample, more tissue, has only one needle cut, the equipment is lighter and easier for the physician to guide through the procedure, and it takes an hour off current manual, or spring-loaded, biopsy procedures. It is more accurate in its work, particularly because it is paired with the breast MRI system for guidance.
 

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