WRMC offers pacemaker-safe MRI scans

BATESVILLE — White River River Medical Center upgraded its magnetic resonance imaging to offer MRI exams to patients with MRI-safe pacemakers or defibrillators.

MRI uses magnetic energy, radio-frequency waves and a computer to produce detailed images taken throughout the body. The new technology allows WRMC to offer this important diagnostic tool to patients living with an implantable cardiac device. Not all pacemakers and defibrillators are MRI safe. Patients should inform their physician and MRI technologist that they have a cardiac device and bring the device information card to all appointments.

“MRI is an important diagnostic tool,” said Andy Nicholson, director of radiology. “This upgrade provides MRI services to patients with MRIsafe devices, allowing them to receive care close to home.”

All radiological services are performed through a referral from a patient’s primary-care provider or specialist. For more information about WRMC’s radiology services, call (870) 262-1777.

The WRMC Imaging Department has state-of-the-art equipment and qualified staff members who provide services in bone density, cardiac electrophysiology, cardiac and vascular interventional lab, CT, echocardiography, digital mammography, MRI, noninvasive vascular imaging, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and X-ray.