Video Episode -->  Why Issues Addressed in the ACR's 2002 MRI Safety White Paper are still around today.

While in town to attend AHRA 2022, returning guest Tobias Gilk joins Zone3podcast's Robert and Reggie in the Studio to discuss how the revisions made to the ACR white paper have made some progress but we still have a long way to go.

Background:
ACR assembled a group immediately following the Michael Colombini accident of 2001. In an effort to prevent further accidents ACR published a white paper on MR safety in 2002. The first document of its kind. A set of best practices guidance directing others to be more safety conscience. Toby also mentions how other countries came out with their version shortly after this.

In 2004 it was revised and expanded upon. They then changed the name to the Guidance Document for Safe MR Practices. An additional update and expansion in 2007 and 2013. Then in 2020, The ACR self-published the documents as a manual.

The purpose of continuous revisions is to stay current with MR safety in terms of devices/contraindications for what may be the new best practice. 

Toby helps explain ACR accreditation and the associated requirements. Benefits as well. And briefly touches on the requirements of the joint commission and how they compare to ACR recommendations.

Lastly, Toby discusses how ACR could improve the MRI Safety Manual and where things may be headed.

Thanks for joining us. Here in Zone 3.  💯

--Guest Links----
Tobias Gilk Website  - https://gilkradiologyconsultants.com/

Zone 3 Podcast Website - Zone3Podcast.com

---Episode Content Link--
2002 initial MRI Safety White paper - https://zone3podcast.com/wp-content/u...

2013 ACR Guidance Document on MR Safe Practice  https://zone3podcast.com/wp-content/u...

2020  MRI Safety manual - https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resource...

--Other Episodes with Toby ----
Episode: MRI Facility Design - https://youtu.be/ixL9rdZJihM
Episode: Evolution of MRI Safety - https://youtu.be/UIMe9bgmS2U

About our Sponsors:  

---Aegy's TechGate Auto---
Aegys is an innovative leader in the MRI safety industry and the Creator of The TechGate Automatic.
Aegys is committed to providing innovative product and process solutions that enhance overall magnet safety and improve efficiency.  TechGate Auto is a Zone 4 Barrier System that keeps patients and MRI technologists safe.  TechGate Auto allows technologists to focus on the care of patients and efficient room turnaround rather than worrying about anyone entering the MRI room behind them. Easy to use and designed for the MRI environment, TechGate Auto is deployed whenever the technologist enters or leaves the MR room or via push button remote control, providing an immediate physical restriction of access to all unauthorized individuals.

The use of a “caution” barrier at the entrance to the MR room is now a recommendation of the American College of Radiology MR Safety Committee.

Links
Aegys' Tech Gate Auto-  https://aegysgroup.com/

-----Imaging Diversified------

Imaging Diversified was established in 2019 with the aspiration of offering onsite training to his peers through vendors that sell MRI and CT equipment. He received subpar training on more than one occasion after new MRI installations. With the goal to remedy this, he started being more active in sharing his knowledge on scanner utilization starting in 2011 after attending a conference by Dr. Kanal. Over years he was exposed to different vendors and learned the systems to become a superuser. He then shared that knowledge with his peers. This passion later became a business that welcomes application specialists and knowledgeable users that want to share their expertise and get paid to do it.

Links: Youtube Channel
Email:  [email protected]
Website:  https://www.imagingdiversified.com/
Social Media: #ImagingDiversified

See Video Episode Here ---> MR Angiography (MRA) Explained ---> https://youtu.be/7zUSU13qhvQ

** Please do not watch while Driving **

In This Episode, Reggie and Robert talk about different MR Angiography techniques, with guest Matthew Hayes RT(R)(MR), Creator and President, ScanLabMR, and Professor of MRI, Adventist University of Health Sciences.

Matthew opens by explaining the Time of Flight (TOF), and the pros and cons of each 2D and 3D Technique.  Then explains contrast enhancement techniques and the importance of understanding Time to Center (TTC). He also shares a few tricks to help with missing the bolus.

To wrap up, Matthew breaks down, Time Resolve, Phase Contrast, Velocity encoding (Venc), and the difference between Visualization and Quantification.

Thanks for Joining Us here in Zone 3! 💯

Guest Links:
ScanlabMR --- https://scanlabmr.com/
imagingU --- https://imagingu.com/courses
individual experience with Scanlab email them @ [email protected] 

About our Sponsor: 
Aegys is an innovative leader in the MRI safety industry and the Creator of The TechGate Automatic.
Aegys is committed to providing innovative product and process solutions that enhance overall magnet safety and improve efficiency.  TechGate Auto is a Zone 4 Barrier System that keeps patients and MRI technologists safe.  TechGate Auto allows technologists to focus on the care of patients and efficient room turnaround rather than worrying about anyone entering the MRI room behind them. Easy to use and designed for the MRI environment, TechGate Auto is deployed whenever the technologist enters or leaves the MR room or via push button remote control, providing an immediate physical restriction of access to all unauthorized individuals.

The use of a “caution” barrier at the entrance to the MR room is now a recommendation of the American College of Radiology MR Safety Committee.

Links
Aegys' Tech Gate Auto-  https://aegysgroup.com/

----------
Imaging Diversified

Imaging Diversified was established in 2019 with the aspiration of offering onsite training to his peers through vendors that sell MRI and CT equipment. He received subpar training on more than one occasion after new MRI installations. With the goal to remedy this, he started being more active in sharing his knowledge on scanner utilization starting in 2011 after attending a conference by Dr. Kanal. Over years he was exposed to different vendors and learned the systems to become a superuser. He then shared that knowledge with his peers. This passion later became a business that welcomes application specialists and knowledgeable users that want to share their expertise and get paid to do it.

Links: 
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.imagingdiversified.com
Social Media: Imaging Diversified

Watch Episode Here -->  MRI Lawsuits with Expert Witness Tobias Gilk or https://youtu.be/rVSFJJa6gPo

Once again Zone 3 Podcast is lucky to be joined by none other than Tobias Gilk. Tobias is a consultant on issues of MRI / Radiology facilities, safety, and operation, with experience in product safety specific to MR Conditional labeling and principles.

He’s spent 15+ years as a practicing architect developing particular expertise in the integration of buildings with highly technical operations and siting requirements for multi-million dollar medical imaging devices. Involved in professional and regulatory aspects of safety and design for radiology / MRI.

Currently serving as senior vice president for RADIOLOGY-Planning, a Junk Architects' company, specializing in design for radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy facilities.

Inherently with the challenges of maintaining a safe MRI environment, there can be safety incidents that can even lead to bodily harm. Tobias has been asked to serve as an expert witness when these cases go into litigation. Tobias talks about his experiences with this. Initially, he was asked to work with cases specific to architectural layout and how poor facility design can lead to compromised safety. But over time his requested services have expanded.

The first or most direct example of the relationship between the MRI equipment and the building it’s put in is when the magnet quenches. When a magnet quenches that can cause damage to the MRI scanner and the building. Toby stresses that the risks associated with a quench can be mitigated if the facility is due diligent in proactively preventing hazards with proper facility design and construction. Inspection and constant maintenance can drastically reduce the probability of safety incidents.

Tobias' area of expertise and experience with safety concerns evolved from initially being focused on the design of the space and how that may have led to a catastrophic event. To MRI safety practices. Specifically, facility safety policies put in place. Are they being implemented and then followed?

When approached for expert witness consultation, this can either be from the plaintiff's side or the defense's side. Influenced by Dr. Emanuel Kanal, Tobias Gilk will first request that they don’t initially identify which side they're on. He asked to be presented with simply the facts. And from that, he’s able to review the details of the case with zero bias on either side.

It’s interesting to hear specific case examples and what the resulting investigation leads to. Tobias shares the details of these cases discussing the breakdown of how the evidence helps to expedite the conclusion. He helps to explain what and where things went wrong. What was learned from each incident and how did that lead to the implementation of more focused safety-specific policies moving forward.

Tobias Gilk has been somewhat of a pioneer for the industry in terms of his influence on the evolution of MRI safety. Not only does he serve as an expert witness, and facility design consultant, he also works as the admin for the largest worldwide safety group of like-minded professionals with his Facebook MRI Safety group and is recognized as a major presence and MRI safety icon

---Links---
Episode: MRI Facility Design - https://youtu.be/ixL9rdZJihM
Episode: Evolution of MRI Safety - https://youtu.be/UIMe9bgmS2U
Contact: Tobias Gilk Website  - https://gilkradiologyconsultants.com/

About our Sponsor: 
Aegys is an innovative leader in the MRI safety industry and the Creator of The TechGate Automatic.
Aegys is committed to providing innovative product and process solutions that enhance overall magnet safety and improve efficiency.  TechGate Auto is a Zone 4 Barrier System that keeps patients and MRI technologists safe.  TechGate Auto allows technologists to focus on the care of patients and efficient room turnaround rather than worrying about anyone entering the MRI room behind them. Easy to use and designed for the MRI environment, TechGate Auto is deployed whenever the technologist enters or leaves the MR room or via push-button remote control, providing an immediate physical restriction of access to all unauthorized individuals.

The use of a “caution” barrier at the entrance to the MR room is now a recommendation of the American College of Radiology MR Safety Committee.

Links
Aegys' Tech Gate Auto-  https://aegysgroup.com/

SHOW LESS

Check out the Video ---> Spatial Resolution: https://youtu.be/_rtqLdWvK2I
Matt helps to describe the concept of spatial resolution in MRI terms. In MRI, spatial resolution is defined by the size of the imaging voxels. Since voxels are three-dimensional rectangular solids, the resolution is frequently different in the three different directions. The size of the voxel and therefore the resolution depends on matrix size, the field-of-view, and the slice thickness.

Resolution is the ability of the human eyes to distinguish one structure from another. In MRI the resolution is determined by the number of pixels in a specified FOV. The higher the image resolution, the better the small pathologies can be diagnosed. Resolution is directly proportional to the number of pixels (The higher the number of pixels the greater the resolution). The pixel size can be calculated by dividing the field of view by the matrix size 

Thanks for joining us here in Zone 3!  Make sure to Like and Subscribe.  

Links from Episode Discussion:
Philips Healthcare innovation -- https://youtu.be/Z7d9xadr3VM
Psychology of the workplace -- https://youtu.be/iJ2uFGyEakk

About our Guest:
Matt is the President of RITE Advantage LLC.  A company focused on educating and testing MRI, CT, Sonography, and Radiography students and technologists. The lead MRI technologist and a certified MR Safety Officer at Advocate Sherman Hospital. Matt is also the MRI/CT Physics Professor at Elgin Community College. 

Matt’s very knowledgeable at MRI physics which is the fundamental factor for image acquisition. So in addition to tricks and tips learned from coworkers, Matt stresses the importance of understanding how to optimize the image you’re acquiring by means of physics. Matt appreciates the artistic influence that naturally comes with photography. If you understand what’s happening on the back end in terms of k space etc., then you can be the creator of new tips and tricks to share with your coworkers and team. 

Rite Advantage - Education Platform 
Riteadvantage.com wants to help you reach your goals and have fun doing it. 
😁🕳Get a discount------ https://riteadvantage.com/?ref=Zone3p...

About our Sponsor:  
Aegys is an innovative leader in the MRI safety industry and the Creator of The TechGate Automatic.
Aegys is committed to providing innovative product and process solutions that enhance overall magnet safety and improve efficiency.  TechGate Auto is a Zone 4 Barrier System that keeps patients and MRI technologists safe.  TechGate Auto allows technologists to focus on the care of patients and efficient room turnaround rather than worrying about anyone entering the MRI room behind them. Easy to use and designed for the MRI environment, TechGate Auto is deployed whenever the technologist enters or leaves the MR room or via push button remote control, providing an immediate physical restriction of access to all unauthorized individuals.

The use of a “caution” barrier at the entrance to the MR room is now a recommendation of the American College of Radiology MR Safety Committee.

Links 
Aegys' Tech Gate Auto-  https://aegysgroup.com/

See Video  -> Workplace Psychology (https://youtu.be/iJ2uFGyEakk)

How do you approach each day of work?  Are your Vibrations Highs? Do you add or Subtract from your Department? Are you constantly Complaining? Do you have Confidence? Are you Competent? Do you feel worthy? 

These are some of the questions our Guest  Rob Cloutier wants us to ask ourselves and if the answer isn't what you want it to be, It is time to figure out why. 

Being a Great Technologist is more than just being able to Scan patients well.  You also need to be a great Professional.  Rob opens up the conversation by discussing the Inferior superior game that we all get caught up in.  Were the Radiologist is top and the technologist is Mid-level.   Rob Stress how detrimental this way of thinking is to our common goal of patient care and that if we can begin to feel confident, competent, and worthy we can break this mold.   

Rob then discusses the difficulty he has had with teaching professionalism and what he has learned along the way. Rob has taken a lot of advice from Bill Wiersma and his book "The Power of Professionalism" and is mentioned in Bill Wiersma's 'Power of Identity" book.

Towards the End of our discussion, Rob discusses his experience getting his MRSO cert and what he took away from that trip.  He also discusses his New SMIL Radiology Collab Education training  Program for Crosstraining technologists. 

Thanks for joining us here in Zone 3!  Remember to Subscribe and Like the video if it was helpful. 

Check out the Video ---> MRI Tips and Tricks: From MRI Image Optimization to Claustrophobic Patients

MRI sequence optimization can be a daunting task for new technologists. In this episode of Zone 3 Podcast, Matt Rederer from RITE Advantage LLC joins Reggie and Robert to share some tips on  optimizing Image Contrast, image quality, scan time, and many parameters that might come up when it comes to being an "MRI artist." 

Whether the topic was dealing with claustrophobic patients or just providing some general guidance in life as one who performs these examinations every day - there was plenty of insight shared by Matt's experiences and knowledge!

About our Guest:
Matt is the President of RITE Advantage LLC.  A company focused on educating and testing MRI, CT, Sonography, and Radiography students and technologists. The lead MRI technologist and a certified MR Safety Officer at Advocate Sherman Hospital. Matt is also the MRI/CT Physics Professor at Elgin Community College. 

Matt’s very knowledgeable at MRI physics which is the fundamental factor for image acquisition. So in addition to tricks and tips learned from coworkers, Matt stresses the importance of understanding how to optimize the image you’re acquiring by means of physics. Matt appreciates the artistic influence that naturally comes with photography. If you understand what’s happening on the back end in terms of k space etc., then you can be the creator of new tips and tricks to share with your coworkers and team. 

Rite Advantage - Education Platform 
Riteadvantage.com wants to help you reach your goals and have fun doing it. 
😁🕳Get a discount------ https://riteadvantage.com/?ref=Zone3podcast

About our Sponsor:  
Aegys is an innovative leader in the MRI safety industry and the Creator of The TechGate Automatic.
Aegys is committed to providing innovative product and process solutions that enhance overall magnet safety and improve efficiency.  TechGate Auto is a Zone 4 Barrier System that keeps patients and MRI technologists safe.  TechGate Auto allows technologists to focus on the care of patients and efficient room turnaround rather than worrying about anyone entering the MRI room behind them. Easy to use and designed for the MRI environment, TechGate Auto is deployed whenever the technologist enters or leaves the MR room or via push-button remote control, providing an immediate physical restriction of access to all unauthorized individuals.

The use of a “caution” barrier at the entrance to the MR room is now a recommendation of the American College of Radiology MR Safety Committee.

Links 
Aegys' Tech Gate Auto-  https://aegysgroup.com/

See Episode Video --->   Travel MR Episode

Johnny Munster R.T.(R)(CT)(MR)(ARRT) stopped by the Zone3Podcast studio to discuss how lucrative the field of Travel MRI currently is. As detailed in the episode, due to a shortage in nationwide staffing there has been monetary incentives put in place to recruit MRI technologist to consider MRI travel assignments. These assignments range in duration but typically last 13 weeks at a time. With opportunities to extend their contract. 

Johnny advises that there are different travel agencies. And to be sure to do your due diligence when considering both an agency and an assignment location. Johnny stresses the importance of researching any potential travel assignment locations housing cost. As they may be a reason to not consider a location. If the finances provided don’t adequately account for the cost of living in the area it would not be in your best interest to accept. 

It’s fun to hear the excitement and joy Johnny has gotten out of his travel experience so far. He’s had some memorable assignments. Ranging from less desirable to “don’t wanna leave”. He’s enjoyed the local culture and the best of what each place has to offer. He encourages any other techs to do the same. He’s loved the places and the people he’s met along the way. And the friendships he’s made. 

Check it out on YT --->  2021 Wrap up and RSNA Take ways!

In this quick episode of Zone 3 Podcast, Robert and Reggie Review their Takeaways from RSNA 2021 and Hint at some of their projects that will be released in 2022. 

MR Arcade --> Coming
MRI Job Listing --> Coming
MRI Animated Series --> Coming

Keep up to date with our Ongoing project @ Zone3podcast.com

Thank you all for all your Support. 2022 is going to be a great year.  Stay tuned. 

About our Sponsor:  
Aegys is an innovative leader in the MRI safety industry and the Creator of The TechGate Automatic.
Aegys is committed to providing innovative product and process solutions that enhance overall magnet safety and improve efficiency.  TechGate Auto is a Zone 4 Barrier System that keeps patients and MRI technologists safe.  TechGate Auto allows technologists to focus on the care of patients and efficient room turnaround rather than worrying about anyone entering the MRI room behind them. Easy to use and designed for the MRI environment, TechGate Auto is deployed whenever the technologist enters or leaves the MR room or via push-button remote control, providing an immediate physical restriction of access to all unauthorized individuals.

The use of a “caution” barrier at the entrance to the MR room is now a recommendation of the American College of Radiology MR Safety Committee.

Links 
Aegys' Tech Gate Auto-  https://aegysgroup.com/

Watch on YouTube --> FDA's Role in the Off Label Use

In this episode of Zone 3 Podcast, we are lucky to have returning guest Emanuel Kanal, MD, FACR, FISMRM, MRMD, MRSE, AANG. Chief, Division of Emergency Radiology and Teleradiology. Director, Magnetic Resonance Services. Professor of Radiology and Neuroradiology. Department of Radiology University of Pittsburgh Medical Center,  here to discuss the FDA's role.
Specifically, how the FDA only governs who can market in the US, not how MD should practice medicine.

He also discusses how off-label use should be the standard if that is what is best for the patient regardless of FDA approval. Dr. Kanal helps to explain this by discussing an example about the neonate formula. 

He urges viewers to understand FDA’s approval regarding MRI safety is only to those companies who find it beneficial(profitable) to get FDA approval.  He also talks about the FDA approval process and how the safety guidelines are created. He takes us through many dates on how the FDA came to be, reminding us of the big picture of the FDA's role as a federal regulator. 

Toward the end, Dr. Kanal discusses his passion for flying. As a licensed pilot, Dr. Kanal tries to find the time in his busy schedule. It was fun to sit down with Dr. Kanal and see and hear that passion when spoke to him about something other than Diagnostic imaging. 

Thanks for Joining Us here in Zone 3. 

Timestamps below
00:00 intro
00:54 Dr. Kanal Intro
26:47 FDA's Role and Why they don't have oversight over how MD practice Medicine
51:00 -Liability when going off Label  
1:20:45 Message to Technologist
1:28:51 Community Questions
1:50:19 Outro with Sponsor  popup

About our Sponsor:  
Aegys is an innovative leader in the MRI safety industry and the Creator of The TechGate Automatic.
Aegys is committed to providing innovative product and process solutions that enhance overall magnet safety and improve efficiency.  TechGate Auto is a Zone 4 Barrier System that keeps patients and MRI technologists safe.  TechGate Auto allows technologists to focus on the care of patients and efficient room turnaround rather than worrying about anyone entering the MRI room behind them. Easy to use and designed for the MRI environment, TechGate Auto is deployed whenever the technologist enters or leaves the MR room or via push-button remote control, providing an immediate physical restriction of access to all unauthorized individuals.

The use of a “caution” barrier at the entrance to the MR room is now a recommendation of the American College of Radiology MR Safety Committee.

Links 
Aegys' Tech Gate Auto-  https://aegysgroup.com/
Questions Link- https://community.imagingqa.com/

Check it out on Youtube --> HERE https://youtu.be/Z7d9xadr3VM

In this Zone 3 Podcast Clip of RSNA 2021 Reggie and Robert hang out in the Philips booth with Margriet Nijrens, Head of MR Marketing.  Margriet and Reggie Discuss Philips new 1.5T MR 5300 the next revolution in helium-free MR operations,  MR Workspace, SmartSpeed which utilizes our state-of-the-art speed engine Compressed SENSE, and an award-winning AI reconstruction technology and their Pediatric Coaching app. 

New 1.5T MR 5300
MR 5300 is the next revolution in helium-free MR operations. Ramp up your productivity to meet the growing demand for exceptional quality images. This innovative 1.5T MR system, powered by AI1 technology, simplifies and automates the most complex clinical and operational tasks. So you can focus on what matters the most: your patients.

MR Workspace
MR Workspace is our industry-unique control room engine that delivers quality and efficiency without compromise. This intuitive solution is designed to simplify the path from image acquisition to diagnosis and to empower your team to drive productivity and predictability for a smooth-running department.

Philips SmartSpeed*
SmartSpeed is the next-generation fast imaging technology that delivers speed and image quality without compromise.  It utilizes our state-of-the-art speed engine Compressed SENSE and an award-winning AI reconstruction technology delivered at the source of the MR signal to ensure no data loss.

Pediatric Coaching
Pediatric Coaching, a holistic solution designed to be a less stressful experience for parents and their children undergoing MRI scans. Using gamification and ‘buddy system’ techniques to prepare children and their parents beforehand, the solution helps guide young children through the MRI procedure to significantly enhance the patient experience.

Thanks for Joining us here in Zone 3. 

Philips Links : https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/resources/landing/mri-innovations

About our Sponsor:  
Aegys is an innovative leader in the MRI safety industry and the Creator of The TechGate Automatic.
Aegys is committed to providing innovative product and process solutions that enhance overall magnet safety and improve efficiency.  TechGate Auto is a Zone 4 Barrier System that keeps patients and MRI technologists safe.  TechGate Auto allows technologists to focus on the care of patients and efficient room turnaround rather than worrying about anyone entering the MRI room behind them. Easy to use and designed for the MRI environment, TechGate Auto is deployed whenever the technologist enters or leaves the MR room or via push button remote control, providing an immediate physical restriction of access to all unauthorized individuals.

The use of a “caution” barrier at the entrance to the MR room is now a recommendation of the American College of Radiology MR Safety Committee.

Links 
Aegys' Tech Gate Auto-  https://aegysgroup.com/