New Imaging Technology in Naples

Photo By Christina Clarke | U.S. Naval Hospital Naples, Italy - The new MRI machine has a flex track emergency release function which allows for faster retrieval of a patient in the event of an emergency.  

GRICIGNANO D'AVERSA, ITALY

12.09.2020

Story by Christina Clarke 

U.S. Naval Hospital Naples

U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Naples completed its installation of a new fluoroscopy machine and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit within its radiology department last week. The new equipment increases the hospital’s imaging capabilities and brings USNH Naples to the forefront of radiographic technology.

“These machines are state-of-the-art and allow us to provide high quality care to our patients,” says Captain Chad McKenzie, commanding officer of USNH Naples. “We’re very excited to have these services come online for our community.”

For patients anxious of small spaces, a wider opening on the MRI machine means increased comfort. The technology also allows exams to be completed up to 50 percent faster. Additionally, the machine contains only seven liters of helium, which decreases maintenance and associated costs, as well as provides a safer shutdown of the magnet in the event of an emergency.

“There is no ionizing radiation received during an MRI exam; rather an incredibly strong magnet sends waves to generate images of the body that standard x-rays and other imaging technology cannot obtain,” says Lieutenant Commander James Powell, who serves as both the Naples Radiation Health Officer and Regional Medical Physicist for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The fluoroscopy unit does use ionizing radiation to obtain images; however the new machine is fully digital, which allows for instant imaging and a reduction in the amount of radiation used. The equipment can also double as a standard x-ray machine, which increases the work capacity of the department and ensures no delays for emergent patients.

“This is the newest fluoroscopy unit of its kind and USNH Naples is the only medical facility in Italy to have this technology,” says McKenzie. “Our radiology team is now able to perform even more complex studies thanks to these machines.”

The machines were originally scheduled to be replaced in the spring, however construction and installation were delayed due to the pandemic. “We had to overcome several logistical challenges throughout the course of both these projects,” says Hospital Corpsman Second Class Daniel Herzberg, USNH Naples radiology clinic manager. “In addition to battling COVID, we had to figure out how to remove and install 13,000-pound magnets. There was a lot of collaboration among the contractor, facilities, and base security to get all the necessary equipment into the spaces.”

Between both MRI and fluoroscopy, USNH Naples performs approximately 1,500 exams per year. Completion of the projects allows the radiology team to recapture patients who would otherwise be referred to the host nation network.

To celebrate the new technology, the radiology department held a ribbon cutting ceremony with hospital leadership and Naval Support Activity Naples commanding officer, Captain James Stewart on November 30th. “The large metal scissors used to cut the ribbon stayed far away from the new magnet,” McKenzie says with a smile.

Patients currently waiting for imaging exams referred to the network will be contacted by the radiology department to schedule their exams with the new equipment.

USNH Naples, the largest naval hospital in Europe, serves a diverse population of over 9,800 beneficiaries. Over 500 staff members at the main hospital, branch health clinic, and Navy Liaison Detachment in Landstuhl, Germany work tirelessly to keep warfighters in the fight and provide care for their families.

• Date Taken: 12.09.2020
• Date Posted: 12.09.2020 13:02
• Story ID: 384518
• Location: GRICIGNANO D'AVERSA, IT