Breast Implant Protocols: Technical Notes     

Series # Examples
With implants, it is important to Manually Prescan. The computer can choose the wrong frequency peak. If the wrong peak is chosen, the water or fat saturation pulses will not work, or worse, can convince you that you are dealing with a different kind of implant.

Silicone implants = center frequency on FAT

Saline implants = center frequency on WATER

Series 1:  AX T1 Scout
Series 2:  AX T1 Scout with water sat

  • Water sat to check for saline implants
  • Center on FAT Peak for silicone implants

Series 3:  SAG T2 FSE

  • Cover both breasts
  • Prescribe left to right on each breast
  • Do NOT Oblique
    •

Series 4:  SAG IR WATER SAT

  • Same locs as series 3
  • With water sat, manual tune - center on FAT PEAK
  • Do NOT Oblique

Series 5 & 6:  AX STIR WATER SAT
  • Use Sag localizer- perpendicular to chest wall
  • Do NOT Oblique
  • Set up right and left separately
  • Scan left then right
    •

Series 7 & 8:  AX T2 FSE WATER SAT

  • Use instead of STIR for Saline implants
  • Scan left then right

 

Series 9 & 10:  Cor/Obl T2 FSE
  • Angle parallel to rib cage
  • Scan left then right separately

 

Series 11:  AX T2 Fat sat

  • For double lumen only
  • Scan left then right

 

PACS : Send all LEFT breast, then all RIGHT & Label each series