Bassett Medical Center Unveils State of the Art MRI Equipment
October 4, 2024
New, Locally-Built Technology Enhances Patient Comfort and Image Precision
Cooperstown, NY — Bassett Healthcare Network is now utilizing advanced MRI technology at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. The Philips Ambition X MRI and Ambient Experience systems provide patient comfort, speed, high-quality scanning, and reliable performance and we are so proud that this new unit was built right within in our own region.
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues in the body.
A Patient-Centered Approach to MRIs
Built locally in Latham, New York, the Ambition X MRI system is unique in the industry. It is designed with the Philips Ambient Experience, which integrates room design, dynamic lighting, mirrors, video, and calming sounds to give patients greater control of their surroundings, reducing stress levels during a process that many feel uneasy about. Reduced stress can lead to better patient compliance with the MRI scan which relies on little to no movement to capture clear images, reducing the potential need of time-consuming rescans.
A 2020 survey by Philips found its Ambient Experience led to a 70% reduction in the need for rescans and an 80% reduction in patient sedation. 83% of respondents rated Ambient Experience as impactful in alleviating patient anxiety overall.
Patti Howland, an employee in Bassett Medical Center’s Radiology Department was one of the first people at Bassett to experience the Ambient Experience for herself during testing.
“This was my first MRI and I must tell you, I was a bit nervous,” she shares. “As a person who is not fond of small places, I was concerned I might get a bit claustrophobic. The staff was fantastic about explaining the procedure and excited to show me the images that would be displayed over my head. Unfortunately, my particular scan required that I keep my eyes closed, but the music was so soothing, I honestly almost fell asleep! I can truly say that I think the music and visual effects make a huge difference in comfort.”
Not wanting any patients in need of an MRI to be left without from these benefits, Bassett Medical Center has installed Ambient Experience not only with our new Philips Ambition X MR, but also with our other established MRI machine at our Cooperstown hospital.
“Bassett and Philips have a shared commitment to improving access to care and creating remarkable patient experiences for our communities,” says Dr. Henry Weil, chief clinical and academic officer of Bassett Healthcare Network and president of Bassett Medical Center.
“With this new MRI equipment, we can give patients in our surrounding areas access to technologies that will make a meaningful difference in their care without having to travel. At the same time, we are giving our staff the tools they need to increase diagnostic confidence and spend more time with patients.”
Environmental Benefits are a “Win all Around”
The magnet within the Ambition X MR system operates with only seven liters of liquid helium instead of the usual 1,500 liters. It also never needs helium refilling, which is considered ‘helium free’. All of this is more ecofriendly than a standard MRI magnet. This is important because helium is a finite resource, so it can be subject to shortages and/or price fluctuations.
“We are very excited to be working with the new Philips Ambition X MR, which provides a greatly enhanced Ambient Experience for our patients and superior image quality,” said Lynn Johnson, Director of Medical Imaging at Bassett Healthcare Network.
“The new system is not only manufactured locally – it uses minimal amounts of helium which is better for the environment. It’s a win all around.”
The system’s AI-enabled technology also decreases set-up times, eliminating often cumbersome administrative tasks for caregivers, which allows more time for direct patient care.
“Our AI-enabled technology brings productivity through automation and collaboration support and gives patients and clinicians back a very precious commodity – time,” says Jeff DiLullo, chief region leader, Philips North America. “By reducing scan time and creating a comfortable experience for patients, this innovation helps clinicians to provide better care to more people with diagnostic confidence that will get their patients to treatment faster and improve outcomes.”
Bassett Healthcare Network’s Division of Medical Imaging offers a wide range of state-of-the-art digital imaging systems. Diagnostic procedures are available at locations throughout the network. More information is available here.
About Bassett Healthcare Network
Bassett Healthcare Network is an integrated health system that provides care and services to people living in a 5,600 square mile region in central New York. The organization includes five corporately affiliated hospitals, over two dozen community-based health centers, more than 20 school-based health centers, two skilled nursing facilities, and other health partners in related fields. To learn more about services available throughout the Bassett Healthcare Network, visit www.bassett.org. Follow Bassett on Facebook, X (formery Twitter), and LinkedIn. Bassett Healthcare Network is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
