VENICE | ENGLEWOOD | SARASOTA

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Venice, Englewood & Sarasota MRI Services: Advanced Imaging for Rapid Diagnosis

RAVE Radiology offers MRI at three locations: 3T wide-bore MRI at RAVE Venice, 1.5T wide-bore MRI at RAVE Sarasota and 1.5T MRI at RAVE Englewood. MRI gives detailed images of organs, tissues and bones to help diagnose injuries, tumors and neurological disorders. Our comfortable, non-invasive scans, often completed in 30-60 minutes, provide fast answers to critical health questions. Don’t delay your diagnosis-early detection can make all the difference. 

Call (941) 488-7781 now to schedule your MRI scan at one of our convenient locations, including our MRI in Sarasota!

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MRI Scan

Philips wide bore 3T MRI scan available at our Venice location and “state of the art” Intera 1.5T scanner available at our Englewood location. High field and Wide Bore MRI at our Sarasota Location.

MRI Services Offered:

  • Brain
  • Orbit, Face or Neck
  • Cervical, Lumbar, Thoracic, & Sacrum
  • Breast MRI
  • Breast Biopsy
  • TMJ
  • MRA
  • Abdomen
  • MRCP
  • Pelvis
  • Prostate
  • Joint

What is a MRI Scan?

Magnetic resonance imaging, commonly known as MRI is a medical test that aids physicians in diagnosis and treating medical conditions. This is a noninvasive and typically painless test.

In contrast to the more common X-Ray that uses ionizing radiation, MRI uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves and a computer. This enables MRI to make very detailed pictures of bone, organs, soft tissues and any other body structures. The physician can then view the pictures on the computer for further evaluation.

How is MRI Performed?

MRI test are typically done on an outpatient basis as they generally can be completed under 30 minutes per exam.

Patients are positioned on a moveable exam table. A coil containing small components that send and receive radio waves may be placed around the portion of the body being examined. If the patients particular procedure requires a contrast dye then the MRI technologists will insert an IV line into a vein in the hand or arm. The exam table will be gently moved into the MRI machine and the technologists will go to an adjacent room where they can perform the tests while watching the patient through a window. The MRI technologists will be able to communicate with the patient through a sound system at anytime. In addition, the patient will have headphones and will be able to listen to the type of music of their choice throughout their procedure or bring their own music CD’s if they choose to do so.

How Should I Prepare for My MRI?

Click here to learn more about prep instructions

Claustrophobic?

Some of our patients have problems with claustrophobia, usually they know before even having the test. The wide-bore scanners at RAVE Venice (3T) and RAVE Sarasota (1.5T) have a larger opening than a standard MRI. We encourage our patients to come in prior to their appointment to see the MR scanner and ask the technologists any questions or concerns that they may encounter.

If you still feel anxious about the test after speaking to the technologists and/or physician, oral sedation can be discussed prior to your exam. Patients do very well with sedation, however they must have a driver bring them to and from their appointment.

American Cancer Society Recommends Breast MRI

Click here to learn more about Breast MRI
The American Cancer Society has updated its guidelines for breast cancer screening and is now recommending that for women who are at an extraordinarily high risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime, that in addition to annual mammography, they also have an annual MRI performed of both breasts. Women considered to be at extraordinarily high risk would be women who are known carriers of the two breast cancer mutations that are easily testable, which are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. And women who are first-degree relatives of someone with one of those gene abnormalities, but have not yet been tested. Or a woman with a significant family history, who by a breast-cancer risk model, would have a lifetime risk of somewhere between 20 and 25 percent.

Additionally, women with dense or fibrocystic breast tissue may also benefit from breast MRI. The American Cancer Society recommends that women in these groups still receive a mammogram because the complement of the mammogram and a breast MRI actually provides the highest pickup rate of early breast cancers.

Frequently Asked Questions About MRI and MRA

What's the difference between an MRI and an MRA?
An MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) is a type of MRI focused specifically on blood vessels. It uses the same scanner and the same magnetic field technology, just tuned to show arteries and blood flow rather than organs and soft tissue.
I'm claustrophobic. Can I still get an MRI?
Yes. The wide-bore scanners at RAVE Sarasota (1.5T) and RAVE Venice (3T) have a larger opening than conventional machines, many exams can be done feet-first, and our technologists will walk you through everything before you start. If you’re still concerned, talk to your physician about whether a mild relaxant before the exam makes sense for you.
Can I have an MRI with metal implants?
Often yes. Most joint replacements and surgical clips are MRI-safe, and many pacemakers and defibrillators are MRI-conditional with the right protocols. Always tell us about any implants, devices, or metal fragments when you schedule so we can verify safety ahead of time.
How long does an MRI take?
Most MRI exams take 20 to 45 minutes depending on the body part and whether contrast is used. We’ll give you a time estimate when you schedule so you can plan your day.
How do I prepare for an MRI?
For most MRI exams you can eat normally and take your usual medications. Leave jewelry and metal at home, and arrive a few minutes early to complete a safety screening form. If your exam has special prep, we’ll let you know when you book. Questions? Call 941-488-7781.