"Our hope is that this technology will decrease the number of instances where we have to give our young patients sedatives," said Dr. Laura J. Varich, medical director of pediatric radiology at Florida Hospital for Children.  "We know that hospital visits can be frightening to some children, so we want to do our best to put them at ease and give them the best experience possible during their time in the hospital."

The MRI goggles produce a video image similar to what a person would experience from a five foot display set while standing ten feet away.  So the image will appear as if it is being projected from a distance to prevent any feelings of claustrophobia. Children will have the option to view a pre-selected video or bring a favorite DVD from home to watch. Additionally, the MRI technician can communicate via a microphone with the child and also project a video image of him in the goggles so the child can see who is talking.

"During the short time we have been using the MRI goggles, we have seen a reduction in the number of children who need to be sedated during procedures," said Dr. Varich. "This means less recovery time for patients after the procedure so they can go home sooner."

According to a study in Applied Radiology, the use of these goggles will reduce the need to sedate children younger than seven-years-old during MRI exams by 35 percent.  The Cinemavision MRI video goggles will also be made available to adults who may suffer from claustrophobia during MRI examinations. 

Florida Hospital is the first hospital in Central Florida to offer this new and innovative technology.

For media inquiries only, contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at (407) 303-8217.