Patients undergoing tests for circulation problems in Bradford could routinely use MRI scans, thanks to a pioneering study.

Hundreds of patients each year undergo angiographs to examine problems with blood circulation caused by hardening of the arteries.

Patients are injected with dye and have x-rays taken in an often uncomfortable and time-consuming process which could now be replaced following a study carried out by doctors at Leeds General Infirmary and Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Under the project, MRI scans of patients in Leeds and Bradford have been compared with angiographs and the scans have shown similar and in some cases better results eliminating the need for injections and x-rays which give off radiation.

Half the 800 mainly middle-aged and elderly patients who have angiographs each year in Bradford could in future use the procedure if £1 million is raised for a MRI scanner at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Dr Jim Meaney, consultant radiologist at LGI, said he hoped Magnetic Resonance Angiography would become routine at the hospital within 18 months after the completion of a formal study on the procedure.

The standard test was uncomfortable with dye being injected into the affected artery of patients who were forced to lie still for several hours afterwards.

"It basically shows that the new test is as good as the old test and can probably replace it," he said.

"With MRA the procedure is non-invasive, meaning the patient can have the test and go straight home so they can be dealt with as an outpatient.

"Our next step is to extend the study and look at the actual costs of the two tests accurately."

Dr Sam Chakraverty, consultant radiologist at BRI, said it was hoped the MRA procedure could be further refined to increase the number of patients treated.

"It was great so many people from Bradford were prepared to take part - they much preferred the MRI scanner to what we do now," he said.

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