Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is similar to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Both use a high-tech procedure that combines a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency waves and computers to produce high quality images of the body's internal tissues. MRA uses special types of scan sequences to visualize the motion of the blood flowing through your blood vessels. If you've ever had an MRI, you won't notice a difference between the MRI exam and the MRA exam. 

Before Your Test Begins
Since a strong magnetic field is always present within the scan room, not all patients should undergo an MRA scan. Please let your physician or the MRA technologist know if you have any of the following:

• Cardiac pacemaker	• Shunts	• Metal mesh
• Aneurysm clips	• Insulin pump	• Shrapnel/bullets
• Joint replacement	• Electrodes	• Orbital prosthesis
• Hearing aid	• Cochlear prosthesis	• Dentures
• Heart valve prosthesis	• IUD	• Bone/joint prosthesis
• Neurostimulators (TENS-Unit)	• Penile implant

The technologist may also ask if you have done welding, grinding, or sheet metal work at any point during your lifetime. Any of these conditions could make a different diagnostic procedure a better choice than MRA.

Preparing for Your MRA
You may eat normally and take any prescribed medications prior to your MRA exam. Once you arrive in the radiology department, you will put on a hospital gown. You'll be provided with a secured locker to store your personal belongings. For your safety, any objects that could be attracted by the magnet or interfere with image quality will not be allowed in the scan room.

Usually, family members and visitors are asked to wait for you in the waiting room. In special circumstances, they may be allowed to stay with you during the procedure. They must undergo the same screening procedures as the patient.

During Your Examination
The technologist will position you on the table and make you as comfortable as possible. The table will then be maneuvered into the MRA chamber, which is open at both ends. You'll enter the chamber either head-first or feet-first, depending on the area of your body to be scanned.

If you are claustrophobic, alert your physician before arriving!

Depending on the type of scan being performed, your physician may ask the technologist to administer a contrast material to enhance the magnetic effects within your body. This is administered through an intravenous injection, similar to what you experience when you have a blood test. You will hardly notice the injection, and your body will eliminate the contrast in approximately 24 hours.

It's very important that you remain still during the MRA scan. Even slight movement can result in blurry images and may make it necessary to take more images. As the scanning begins, you will hear nearly continuous tapping noises. These sounds are a normal part of the operation of the scanner and are no cause for alarm.

Prohibited Items
During an MRA scan, the following items could interfere with the procedure or even become unsafe. Therefore, they are not allowed in the MRA scanning area. You may leave them at home, with family or friends, or in a secure locker which we will provide for you.  

• Keys	• Metal zippers	• Coins
• Watches	• Metal buttons	• Belt buckles
• Hearing aids	• Wallet/money clips	• Safety pins
• Jewelry	• Pocket knife	• Removable dental work
• Glasses	• Pens/pencils	• Hairpins/barrettes
• Bras with hooks/ underwires	• Credit/bank cards (magnetic strip)

Relax And Enjoy The Music
Headphones and music are provided for most examinations. Some studies require you to use earplugs instead of headphones because of the position of your head or neck during the exam. You may bring a favorite CD or tape, and we'll play it for you if possible. The technologist will communicate with you via an intercom system during the procedure and will be in visual contact at all times.

Following Your Exam
The entire exam will take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of exam being performed. When it is complete, you may leave the hospital and immediately resume normal activity. A physician specially trained in MRA will interpret your study and send the results to your doctor, who should then inform you of the results.

• Deaconess Health System

• Evansville, Indiana
• 812/450-5000
  
  
• Terms of Use
  
  
• Site Map
  
  
• Copyright 1998-2010