Advantages of Open MRI

By Ravi Sohal

Open MRI machines represent about 25% of the total number of MRI machines installed in the U.S. Over the last several years, open MRI technology has rapidly advanced and newer open MRI machines are capable of capturing the same high resolution pictures as their closed (tube) counterparts.

Claustrophobia, children, and overweight patients
You might first discover that you're claustrophobic when getting a scan on a closed MRI. Closed MRI scanners have a tube shaped like a long donut. For most scans, your entire body will be inside the tube, with the top of the tube close to your face and your shoulders brushing its sides.

Open MRI has addressed some of these claustrophobia inducing characteristics. Some models feature a tube with a "flared" opening, like a trumpet, giving you the sense of space. In others, the sides of the tube have been "cut away" letting you see off to the side.

Open MRI has been a boon for imaging children. Many centers create a comforting environment with soft lights, music, wall hangings and a chair or bench in the scan room for family members. Open MRI scanners are much quieter than their closed counterparts, and allow both parent and child to make eye contact.

Open MRI has given overweight patients access to high tech imaging. Open MRI scanners have a wider opening and their table weight limits are substantially higher than those of closed MRI machines. With a wider opening, positioning overweight patients into the scanner is much easier which can improve image quality.

Finding an open MRI scanner
When given the choice, consumers choose open MRI scanners over closed MRIs. So how do you find an open MRI scanner? Although you may not get comprehensive information about each facility, Google is a great resource. Search for "open MRI" and add your local area/town/state to the search term.

Once you find a local center, here are a few tips on what to look for:

• Open MRI scanner is less than 5 years old—Parkside Imaging has a Siemens Espree 1.5T circa 2006

• The scanner has a field strength greater than 0.3T—Siemens Espree field strength is 1.5T

• Board certified Radiologist reads your scan—Parkside radiologists on site and Board certified

• Certified MR technologist does your scan—Parkside technologists are certified

• The facility is ACR accredited—Parkside Imaging is ACR accredited

Original article appeared in Remake Health's A Blog for Healthcare Consumers, November 25, 2008. Parkside edits appear in red.