Phoenix VA Medical Center unveils new efficient high-tech device

PHOENIX — The VA Medical Center in Phoenix is now home to the nation’s first device that combines MRI technology with nuclear imaging.

The PET scan sees how internal parts of the body are functioning. It tracks metabolism, structure and function. MRI uses radio waves and a magnetic field to create detailed images of internal parts of the body such as soft tissues, organs and bones. These are now integrated as one diagnostic tool.

The 20,000 pound device arrived at the VA Center this morning. Stacy O’Neall is a Chief Technologist of Nuclear Medicine and says what used to take multiple appointments will now be reduced to one.

“It allows us to see things that we could never see without it. We’ll do it with less radiation and less time. State of the art imaging with traumatic brain injury, mood disorder and PTSD. The sky is the limit.”

O’Neall says it can be used for cardiac, cancer and infection imaging.

The new device cost $5.5 million and $1.2 million for construction. It will help clear up the backlog of veterans waiting for medical care.

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