Hospital Enhances MRI System with Cutting-Edge AI Technology

(LANCASTER, CA – October 23, 2024) – As 1 of only 10 facilities in Southern California equipped with this cutting-edge technology, Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) is excited to announce the upgrade of its magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system with the installation of the SIGNA™ Artist Lift 1.5T MR system. This new, advanced technology represents a significant advancement in diagnostic imaging, offering enhanced precision, and 50% faster scanning time, which makes for a more comfortable experience for patients.

“We are consistently looking for ways to improve the patient experience without taking short cuts on their quality of care, and this recent upgrade is evident of that commitment”, says Edward Mirzabegian, Chief Executive Officer, Antelope Valley Medical Center. “Already used internationally, we’re proud to be one of the first to use this technology here in California.”

Designed with patients in mind, the SIGNA™ Artist offers shorter scan times and a more calming experience with less noise. It features special, lightweight AIR™ Coils that feel like a blanket for improved patient comfort. The system also offers solutions to patients whose medical conditions previously excluded them from MRI scanning, including those with claustrophobia, tremors, dementia, emergent and post stroke patients and patients needing multiple scans.

Enabled with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, the system produces images that are up to 60% sharper than those of older machines. Our radiologists can clearly see small changes, allowing them to diagnose illnesses more easily and confidently, resulting in our attending physicians receiving more accurate and detailed images of the brain, spine, musculoskeletal system, and internal organs.  Patients ultimately benefit by receiving a more focused treatment plan and quicker decisions about their care.

“This is a game changer for our field”, says Jennifer Hill, MD, Neuroradiologist, Antelope Valley Medical Center. “This has already optimized quality and workflow, all while providing an improved experience for our patients.”

For more information on Antelope Valley Medical Center’s medical imaging services visit www.avmc.org/radiology.

Photo caption: AVMC’s 1.5T MRI, upgraded with SIGNA™ Artist, featuring AI technology.

About Antelope Valley Medical Center

Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC), the only full-service, acute-care hospital located in Lancaster, CA. AVMC has been delivering exceptional care to the community since 1955.  It offers the region’s only Level II Trauma Center, Pediatric unit, Level IIIB NICU, Inpatient Behavioral Health Department, Labor and Delivery, Accredited Chest Pain Center/STEMI Receiving Center, Comprehensive Stroke Center, a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center, and a Thrombectomy Capable Center.  More information is available at www.avmc.org or by calling (661) 949-5000. Follow us @avmedicalcenter