Quiet MRI scanner removes the need for anaesthetic

Warren Hubble found the Ambient Experience calming during his MRI scan.

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust has installed the first of two Philips MRI scanners through a deferred payment plan, and ongoing large-scale fund-raising activities.  The campaign has already raised more than £640,000 toward funding the devices.

One of the first patients to be scanned was seven-year-old Warren Hubble from Sacriston.  With Philips Ingenia 1.5T MRI Ambient Experience technology, which projects soothing and entertaining lights and visuals into the MRI room, he was able to lie still and calm throughout the 30-minute scan, removing the need for anaesthetic.

“The radiographer talked to Warren, explained what was going to happen and let him choose his own lighting solutions,” said his father Wayne Hubble.  “He loved the lights and the way they changed and because the scanner was so quiet, the radiographer was able to talk to him through a speaker throughout the scan.  Warren lay completely still for the full 30 minutes.  I’m so pleased he didn’t need sedation.”

See the full report on page 8 of the May 2018 issue of RAD Magazine.