MRA: On the cutting edge of vascular diagnostic technology Thibodaux Regional Medical Center recently installed software to upgrade its Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine to the newest technology, allowing scans of the vascular system. Magnetic Resonance Angiography, or MRA is a non-invasive, diagnostic technique used to demonstrate blood flow in the vessels. It is done using the MRI machine. "With MRA, the patient is in the machine for approximately 30 minutes and can usually return home and to normal activity immediately after," says Greg Dobard, MD, Thibodaux Regional radiologist. The procedure is painless and in only a few instances is a dye injected to provide contrast for the scans. This new technology has made great strides in the area of diagnostic med icine. With MRA, physicians can diagnose vascular disease while providing safety and convenience for the patient. "The high-quality scans usually give the physicians the information they need to accurately plan surgery or other further treatment," Dobard says. Cardiovascular Surgeon Robert Hansen, MD, has recently performed various surgical procedures on patients whose vascular problems were diagnosed using MRA. "I think it's great. The day is coming where we will be able to save patients with this type of technology," Hansen says. Conventional angiography is an outpatient procedure typically performed to diagnose vascular disease, such as carotid blockages (neck), aneurysm (head), Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD - legs) and blood flow to the kidneys. With the conventional procedure, a catheter is placed into an artery in the groin and moved to the vessel of interest. Dye is injected and the flow is viewed using x-ray. Conventional angiography brings with it risk associated with most invasive procedures, including the risk of blood clotting and leakages. The patient also is required to remain in the hospital for approximately six hours for observation following the procedure. MRA brings a non-invasive, highly effective, alternative to this conventional procedure. "At this time, MRA allows a physician to diagnose disease in the carotid, head, abdomen and peripheral vessels, such as in the legs," Dobard says. "By using this latest in software technology, along with post-processing data, we can receive high quality images that were not previously available." MRA scans used to diagnose vascular disease in the head, neck, abdomen and legs are currently covered by Medicare. The MRI machine is a safe diagnostic tool that provides a way to look inside the body without using x-rays. It uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer system to obtain extremely precise images. It is typically used to scan for brain and nervous system disorders, cancer and musculoskeletal problems. Most people are good candidates for MRA. However, people with pacemakers are not allowed to undergo the procedure due to the strength of the magnet. If you have vascular problems, or if your physician suggests diagnostic testing for vascular disease, ask if you are a candidate for MRA. For more information, please call (504) 493-4326. return to list of press releases