by
Joanna Padovano, Reporter | September 14, 2011
Correlated Slice Profile Imaging
More than three decades ago FONAR installed the first-ever commercial MRI, which was invented by Dr. Raymond Damadian, the company's founder. These days, sales are not as good as they once were. "We've had better years," says Dan Culver, the director of communications for the manufacturer, whose primary customers are private imaging centers.
Although sales have declined, the company still plays an important role in the world of magnetic resonance imaging.
FONAR's claim to fame is the Upright Multi-Position MRI, formerly known as the Stand-Up MRI. Using that system, those who suffer from spinal problems can benefit from a technique known as Correlated Slice Profile Imaging, which involves imaging patients in the recumbent position as well as in the weight-bearing neutral, flexion, and extension sitting positions.
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"You get to see what the center slice on the spine is on all four positions, and when you deliver it to the referring physician, they get to see exactly what is going on with their patient and how it is different with the Upright," says Culver.
According to Culver, FONAR's Upright MRI enables doctors to better evaluate a patient's spinal injury, therefore allowing them to make a more accurate diagnosis and a better recommendation for treatment. "It can change the way the surgeon does surgery," he says. After imaging the spine with the Upright, "you can chart a course on how to help that patient, where with [only] a recumbent view, you can't chart that course."
The Upright MRI also offers open architecture, which helps many patients suffering from claustrophobia feel more comfortable. "This is easily the most claustrophobic-free machine in the industry," says Culver, who mentions that the majority of patients are imaged while sitting and watching television.
As for the future of FONAR, Culver predicts that the company's Upright Multi-Position MRI will grow in popularity due to its Correlated Slice Profile Imaging capabilities. "It really does matter what position you're in when you image the spine," he says. "And if you can't see it, you can't fix it."
(1)
Jim Warner
Sell Upright MRI Patents to Increase Acceptance and Sales
September 15, 2011 10:23
For three decades Fonar has been an innovator in MRI Technology, but unfortunately the company has not has not grown and prospered. Why? Poor leadership??? If Dr. Damadian would stay in his R&D Lab doing what he does best, Fonar could be a viable company. By quickly selling Fonar's Upright MRI Patents to a reputable company while they are still worth something, we would see immediate widespread acceptance, improvements to the product and significant increase in sales of Upright MRI. It would be interesting to see what a strong team of leaders, financial stability, more cost effective production, a well thoughtout marketing plan and a commitment to a quality salesforce that is managed by professionals (not Dr. Damadian) could do for Upright MRI. It would also be interesting to see what Dr. Damadian could do if he focused 100% on innovation. He might even win the Nobel prize that he deserved! The Upright MRI truly is a very beneficial imaging modality for the Spine, but most will wisely never do business with Fonar. Upright MRI Buyer Beware!
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