Within the past two years, the Ultrasound Department at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston has utilized eight ultrasound machines to replace systems at the end of production life. The first two systems purchased were a modification of current systems. Unfortunately, it did not take long before errors became present in the boot-up process. As the company tried to fix the systems, we relied on two loaner systems before it was determined that the systems required replacement.

We were offered two systems from a newer generation, ones the company believed would be the standard and platform for all of their future ultrasound machines. Those systems proved complicated and not user friendly, often adding 15 to 20 minutes to an ultrasound procedure. This turned out to be the final event that would end a 20+ year relationship. Today, we have a new vendor and two new systems, which have yielded technology that makes life easier for families and staff. We gained features that provide better image quality as well as the latest software to enable better diagnosis. It was not until we received the new systems that we realized what we had been missing.

In the end, we got what we wanted: the best for our patients and families.

Duane Griffith Supervisor, Ultrasound, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta recently received a new addition to its Radiology department. Through the generosity of donors, Children's now has a "mock" scanner to assist staff in preparing children for MR procedures by affording a "dry" run of the exam without compromising staff member's schedules or tying up a scanner with a child who may not need sedation when given the opportunity to try without sedation first.

The "mock", as we call it at Children's, looks just like a standard closed bore MR unit. It has a moving table, faux cage-style head coil, and even makes sounds similar to that of the real thing. The new "toy" has already yielded great success, and we are hopeful that the sedation rate for patients aged 5 to 10 will continue to decline!

Scott Weisel RT(R)(CT)(MR) MRI Team leader Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite