Hospital purchases breast MRI equipment

Thanks to the fundraising of community members, Health Sciences North has purchased a piece of equipment called a “breast coil,” which will allow the hospital's magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine to be used for breast exams.

MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures, according to a press release.

The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, transmitted electronically, or copied to a CD. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).

Images taken by the MRI breast coil will allow physicians to better evaluate breast tissue and determine the presence of certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as ultrasound or mammography, the press release said.

“This is a major step forward in the detection and treatment of breast cancer,“ Dr. Evan Roberts, a radiologist at HSN, said. “By getting more detailed images of breast tissue, we can improve treatment options and outcomes for our patients.”

The cost of the new breast coil technology is approximately $250,000, with more than $220,000 being raised in the community, through the efforts of the Health Sciences North Foundation and local associated charity groups.

”We are proud to have worked with these community groups to help achieve a goal that means so much to so many,” Alan Arkilander, vice-chair of the Health Sciences North Foundation, said.

“This is a perfect example of all of us coming together through support and donations to purchase this breast coil that will make a difference to health care in our community."

“This is a fabulous day for health care in Greater Sudbury,” Annette Cressy of Angels In Pink, said.

“Angels In Pink are proud and honoured to have played a role in bringing the breast coil to Health Sciences North, and this is going to greatly enhance early detection of breast cancer in our city and northeastern Ontario. Early detection saves lives.”

“Chip In For Charity has a long, proud history of raising funds for medical equipment here in Greater Sudbury,” Joe McDonald, chair of Chip In For Charity, Greater Sudbury’s longest-running charity golf tournament, said.

“This purchase is proof of our ongoing commitment to the health of our community.”

"On behalf of my family, I am pleased and proud that the Janis Foligno Foundation contributed to the purchase of this much-needed breast coil,” Mike Foligno said.

“I would like to thank the Foundation's many generous donors, especially the young boys and girls who play hockey in Greater Sudbury, northern Ontario, and the Sudbury Wolves. Congratulations to all."

“The acquisition of this new technology is a huge windfall for the health-care professionals at Health Sciences North, as well as the patients who would otherwise need to travel a greater distance for this service, Bartolucci said.

The breast coil is an important piece of diagnostic equipment that allows Sudbury to continue fill its mandate as the referral centre for northeastern Ontario, Bartolucci said. The next closest breast coils are located in Timmins and in Toronto.

Posted by Arron Pickard