MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed 3D images of the body.

An MRI machine can scan the head, neck, spine, abdomen, pelvis, joints, blood vessels and musculoskeletal regions of the body. It is frequently used to get clear pictures of soft tissue injuries, ruptured discs in the neck and back, tears in ligaments, joint injuries and the brain.

MRI: Wide bore

Ochsner offers wide bore MRI, the first of its kind in the region. This type of MRI offers a more comfortable experience for many patients. Instead of the traditional tunnel-style MRI machine, the wide bore MRI machine is more open and comfortably accommodates patients who might be difficult to scan, including those who are overweight, claustrophobic, elderly or very young, as well as patients who are in pain. The large field of view also allows for easier imaging of areas such as the shoulder or hip.

Caring Suite technology also provides additional features to improve the patient experience:

• Spacious scanning area
• Quiet technology to reduce noise
• Customizable music, lights and images to put patients at ease
• Precise imaging

Cardiac MRI (CMR)

CMR is used to monitor or detect heart disease. It can also be used to evaluate the heart’s function and anatomy.

The Ochsner Cardiovascular Network has led the region in adult and pediatric CMR since 2005, performing more than 250 each year.

Bone density scans, also called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, measure bone loss by using low-dose X-rays to determine bone mineral density. Doctors frequently use bone density scans to diagnose osteoporosis, as well as to evaluate the risk for fractures.

Our Pediatric Radiology program provides imaging and radiology services for those from birth to age 21. We know that having tests and imaging done can be scary for kids, so our compassionate technologists do all they can to put kids at ease every step of the way. The following services are available:

• Conventional chest and skeletal radiography

• Gastrointestinal fluoroscopy

• High resolution body CT

• Low-dose scoliosis screening

• Urography and cystography

• CT scans, including coronary CT

• Ultrasonography

• MRI

The Ochsner Chest Imaging Center provides the following services:

• General diagnostic radiology

• Chest radiography with dual energy subtraction

• Computed tomography of the body

• CT angiography of coronary arteries

• CT angiography of pulmonary arteries

• High resolution CT of pulmonary parenchyma

• CT for small airways disease

• Pneumoconiosis evaluation

The Ochsner Musculoskeletal Imaging program provides patients with the following services:

• Conventional radiography and tomography
• Low dose scoliosis screening
• Spine and bone densitometry
• High resolution spinal and extremity CT
• Musculoskeletal MRI
• Arthrography

The Ochsner Gastrointestinal Imaging program provides the following services:

• Conventional radiography
• Abdominal imaging
• Urography
• Cystography
• Transplant radiology
• Computed tomography
• Ultrasonography
• Doppler imaging
• Gastrointestinal fluoroscopy

The Ochsner Radiology Department plays an important role in the screening, diagnosis, confirmation and treatment of cancer. Mammography, X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans and other tests are used to screen for and diagnose breast cancer, lung cancer and many other cancers. Ochsner physicians are leading the field regionally and nationally in the use of stereotactic core biopsy, an innovative technique for determining whether a breast lesion is cancerous. Sophisticated diagnostic studies can be conducted to look for metastases, such as the spread of colon cancer to other organs. Surgeons can use imaging technology intra-operatively to identify lesions that must be removed.