Oklahoma Heart Institute’s Cardiovascular MRI (CMR) Department completed their first case this week 13 years ago, June 3, 1999. The department was the first of its kind in the United States, originally providing outpatient services and performing 300 clinical studies in the first year. The Cardiovascular MRI team has tripled since that first year, with 3 CMR technologist and 3 CMR cardiologists now performing more than 2500 studies a year. Additionally, today both inpatient and outpatient services are available.
Through the department’s work, it has earned an international reputation. It has also been mentioned in national publications such as TIME magazine, NY Times, and Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. In addition to performing daily diagnostic clinical studiesOklahoma Heart Institute’s Cardiovascular MRI department has also participated in 15 research trials, two or which were started by the department. Oklahoma Heart cardiovascular MRI physicians have published numerous abstracts, peer-reviewed articles, and books.
Consistent with Oklahoma Heart Institute’s commitment to ground-breaking research and technology, this department was the first center in the world to perform clinical MRI studies on patients with pacemakers and ICDs. Congratulations to the great work the Cardiovascular MRI team has performed and continues to pursue to bring better cardiac care and research to patients.