Medical group helps pioneer high-tech device

SARASOTA — Intercoastal Medical Group, one of the largest medical practices in the Sarasota-Manatee region, has added a next-generation MRI imagining device.

The machine, a GE SIGNA Voyager 1.5T Widebore MRI, is one of only two of its kind in the United States, say officials with the Sarasota-based practice. It has been installed at Intercoastal's Hyde Park Imaging facility in Sarasota. “This is really advanced technology,” says Intercoastal President Dr. John Steele in an interview.

The machine uses motion-free technology that doesn't require patients to hold their breath for certain studies, according to a statement. It also offers vascular imaging that doesn't require the use of needles or contrast dye, which is helpful with patients who can't tolerate the injection of contrast dye for certain tests.

“We are so pleased to be only the second facility in the United States to offer the newest, high level of imaging technology to our patients,” Steele says in the release. “The highly-specialized computer assisted diagnostic abilities can literally be life-saving for many patients. The additional capabilities for breast and prostate MRI and new patient comfort features of this state-of-the-art equipment will mean earlier diagnoses, resulting in better treatment outcomes with much greater comfort during the testing process for patients.”

Intercoastal Medical Group is a professional association of more than 85 physicians in more than a dozen specialties, with seven locations in Sarasota and Manatee counties. It was founded in 1993.