TRA Medical Imaging (TRA) and Franciscan Health System are teaming up to launch a state-of-the-art outpatient medical imaging center in Federal Way.

Called Medical Imaging on 1st, the new center at 33915 1st Way S. opens on Monday, June 29. It will offer the latest in high-field Open MRI and 64-slice CT, providing patients with significant improvements in care and comfort, coupled with advanced imaging technology.

Medical Imaging on 1st will be the only local clinic with a truly open high-field MRI. For the first time, the Hitachi Oasis Open Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides the superior diagnostic benefits of a regular strength MRI with the spaciousness and comfort of an Open MRI. The Oasis Open MRI is ideal for people who suffer from anxiety or claustrophobia in traditional high-field machines. As well as an unobstructed left-to-right view, the imaging system offers a full spectrum of capabilities, including more rapid orthopedic, neurological and vascular studies.

The new medical imaging center will also feature a 64-slice CT scanner for outstanding patient care. The Aquilion® 64 from Toshiba America Medical Systems, an advanced computed tomography (CT) system, can quickly scan any part of the body in seconds. This makes it easier for patients who are unable to hold their breath. This imaging technology is also more effective in diagnosing an injury. The new system delivers clinical images with multislice technology that captures up to 64 anatomical slices in a single rotation. As a result, Toshiba’s 64-slice CT scanner captures more accurate and precise images of internal structures, including the body’s rapidly moving organs like the lungs that appear blurry when scanned by a traditional CT.

“On behalf of everyone in the TRA family, we are proud to team up with Franciscan Health System, a leader in health care in the region,” said Daniel N. D. Heller, MD, a board-certified radiologist for TRA Medical Imaging and medical director for the new imaging center. “This partnership will allow us to provide South King County residents with access to leading technology in medical scans. The improved precision and speed of the CT and more comfortable design of the MRI will make a significant difference in the lives of our patients."