At Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, we are committed to delivering exceptional care in a safe, compassionate and comforting setting. Understanding the stress that medical procedures can cause, our Pediatric MRI Suite is thoughtfully designed to create a calm and supportive environment. With state-of-the-art MRI machines, we deliver high-quality imaging.
Advanced technologies in the Pediatric MRI Suite
Our Pediatric MRI Suite is equipped with cutting-edge features designed to enhance comfort, safety and the patient experience. These advanced technologies not only provide superior imaging but also help reduce anxiety and improve patient cooperation during MRI procedures. Some of these features include:
- Spacious MRI tunnel: The MRI machines feature a roomy 70-cm tunnel or bore, providing a more open environment that helps children feel less confined during their scans. This design is particularly beneficial for patients who might feel claustrophobic or anxious in tighter spaces.
- Noise-cancelling technology: To ensure a comfortable MRI experience, our suite includes noise-reducing technology that significantly lowers sound levels during the scan. Paired with headphones, this creates a quieter environment that helps soothe and relax patients.
- Comfort mattress: The MRI table is outfitted with a soft comfort mattress that provides additional cushioning for patients during their scans. This extra layer of comfort helps patients stay still throughout the procedure, which is essential for obtaining clear and accurate images.
- Ambient experience: The suite features LED dynamic lighting, wall projections and sound to create a calming, immersive environment. Patients can choose a theme to play during their scan, helping them feel more in control and relaxed. A monitor in the MRI tunnel allows them to watch movies or other content, making the MRI process smoother and more enjoyable. The system also provides breath-hold cues and a progress scan bar to keep patients informed and engaged, enhancing their ability to stay still.
Our Pediatric MRI Suite is designed to make the MRI process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Before their scan, patients can use a 'Scan Buddy' app at home, which uses games and augmented reality to help them understand the procedure and the sounds they might hear during the scan. We also have a Kitten Scanner, a playful tool that introduces children to the MRI process in a fun and engaging way.
MRI Suite Image Gallery
Services and Benefits
At Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, our Pediatric MRI Suite team provides a comprehensive array of advanced MRI services tailored specifically for pediatric patients.
These services include detailed neuroimaging for:
- Brain and spine conditions
- Body imaging for abdominal and pelvic assessments
- Musculoskeletal imaging for bones and joints
- Cardiac imaging to evaluate heart function and structure
- Chest imaging for lung and thoracic evaluations
Our team is dedicated to delivering precise and child-friendly imaging solutions to support accurate diagnoses and treatment plans for our young patients. The unique features of our suite help children stay still during the scan, improving efficiency and reducing the need for re-scans.
Enhancing the patient experience
Child Life specialists are a vital part of the Pediatric MRI Suite team. As members of the Child Life and Expressive Therapies team, they provide emotional and educational support to ensure that children and their families feel comfortable and informed throughout the MRI process. They help prepare patients for their procedure using various tools and techniques to reduce fear and anxiety, explaining what to expect before, during, and after the scan:
- Visual and Sensory Education: Child Life specialists use pictures, sounds and small models of the MRI machine to familiarize children with the environment. By preparing patients for what the machine looks like, the sounds it will make, and the sensations they might feel, Child Life specialists help demystify the process, making it less intimidating.
- Hands-On Interaction: Patients are given the opportunity to interact with medical equipment, such as the MRI scanner model, to help them understand how the procedure will work. They can even practice with their own stuffed animals or dolls on a miniature MRI machine. This hands-on experience with the medical equipment can be particularly effective in alleviating fears, as it gives children a sense of control and familiarity with the tools involved. This activity adds an element of fun to the hospital experience as it increases confidence in the patient.
- Anesthesia Preparation: If a child requires general anesthesia for their MRI, Child Life specialists will prepare them for what to expect during the induction process. They might use an anesthesia mask, introduce scents for the mask, and demonstrate how monitor leads, pulse oximeters and blood pressure cuffs work. Allowing children to explore this equipment beforehand helps to reduce anxiety and makes the procedure feel more manageable.
Child Life specialists can also be present with the patient during the MRI procedure, using distraction techniques like storytelling or calming themes to help reduce anxiety and keep the child relaxed and still.
Additionally, Disney+ movies are now available for patients to enjoy during their MRI experience. This new addition helps make your child's visit more comfortable and enjoyable.
Supporting families through the MRI journey
Child Life specialists understand that a child's medical procedure can be stressful for the entire family. They offer emotional support by addressing any fears or concerns and providing reassurance to help families feel more at ease with the MRI procedure. Specialists also educate families about what to expect during and after the MRI, including potential follow-up procedures, ensuring they are well-informed and prepared. Additionally, they connect families with community resources tailored to their child’s specific needs, providing valuable support and helping them feel less isolated during challenging times.
Sedation Services
Sedation is sometimes recommended for pediatric MRI patients, particularly for younger children or those who may have difficulty remaining still during the scan. This helps ensure the accuracy of the images while keeping the child comfortable throughout the procedure.
At Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, a variety of sedation options are available depending on the specific needs of the patient. The sedation process is carefully managed by an experienced affiliated medical team, which includes anesthesiologists and nurses who are specially trained in pediatric care.
Safety is our top priority, and we take numerous precautions to ensure the well-being of children under sedation. This includes a thorough assessment of the child's medical history, continuous monitoring of vital signs during the procedure and the presence of a specialized care team. Registered nurses closely monitor each patient alongside medical staff who manage sedation and are prepared to respond to any potential issues. Our MRI technologists are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), and our MRI scanners are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), and all exams are reviewed by board-certified radiologists.
Our primary objective is to provide a safe and smooth experience for both the patient and their family. By offering a Pediatric MRI Suite with advanced technology, supportive environments and specialized care, we aim to make the MRI experience as positive as possible for both children and their families.
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