Memorial Hermann Imaging Center Installs Texas' First Open Bore 3T MRI

HOUSTON, Nov. 5, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- People who have had a MRI frequently
comment on the confined space inside the machine. Claustrophobia is a common
complaint. Now, the Memorial Hermann Imaging Center at 2900 Richmond Avenue has
the state's first Siemens MAGNETOM(R) Verio Open Bore 3T MRI. This
state-of-the-art machine allows for more precise diagnosis, better pre-surgical
planning and exceptional patient comfort.

With the open bore design, the tight confines in older MRIs are a thing of the
past. In this device, the bore, or the long tube, is more than two feet wide and
only four feet long. This means that the patient's head can remain outside of
the bore during most procedures not involving head, neck or upper spine. For
those procedures, however, the wider bore gives patients about a foot of
headroom so they won't feel like they are nose-to-nose with the top of the
machine. This helps eliminate any anxiety or claustrophobic effects.

At 3T, the MAGNETOM Verio boasts the strongest magnet field strength used
clinically today, capturing exceptional image quality in faster scan times with
reduced repositioning, and higher image resolution with increased clarity and
detail. Its applications include neurology and functional neurology evaluation,
orthopedic and cartilage assessment, and breast, vascular and cardiac imaging.

With its larger bore size and stronger magnet, the machine is well suited to
meet the needs of all MRI patients, but particularly those with special needs
such as obesity (up to 550 lbs), claustrophobia and anxiety. In addition, with
the gentle nature of this MRI procedure, pediatric and elderly patients can
benefit.

"The Verio allows us to bring advanced imaging techniques and 3T field strength
to sets of patients that didn't have this access previously. This ultimately
leads to better imaging interpretation for all of our patients," says Dr.
Christopher J. Govea, Vice President and Director of Musculoskeletal Imaging for
Houston Progressive Radiology Associates, affiliated with Memorial Hermann.

"The MAGNETOM Verio is one of the most cutting-edge pieces of MRI equipment on
the market today," said James Polfreman, CEO, Retail Business. "With this MRI,
we are able to operate at the highest clinical field strengths while allowing
our patients one of the most comfortable imaging experiences. With the many
workflow-enhancing features on the system, we also anticipate that it will
enable us to increase the number of patients who can take advantage of these
valuable imaging services."

About the Memorial Hermann System

The 29 Memorial Hermann Imaging Centers are part of Memorial Hermann Healthcare
System. Memorial Hermann is known for world-class clinical expertise,
patient-centered care, leading edge technology, and innovation. The system, with
its exceptional medical staff and 19,000 employees, serves southeast Texas and
the greater Houston community. Memorial Hermann's 11 hospitals include three
hospitals in the Texas Medical Center and eight suburban hospitals. The system
also operates comprehensive cancer centers, the LifeFlight air ambulance
program, the area's only burn treatment center, numerous imaging, sports
medicine and rehabilitation, surgery centers, a wellness center, a chemical
dependency treatment center, a home health agency, a retirement community and a
nursing home. To learn more, visit www.memorialhermann.org or call 713.222.CARE.

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CONTACT: Memorial Hermann
Lindsey Klingensmith
(713) 242.4781
(713) 248.8782