Our High-Field open MRI service specifically caters to larger patients and those who are prone to claustrophobia or anxiety during MRI exams. Both the MRI itself and the suite in which it is located are specifically designed for the maximum comfort and open viewing possible. A family member or friend* can sit in the same room, next to you** during your scan – even holding your hand for support.
In the picture you can see:
* A support person sitting on chair.
** A patient with her legs within the MRI.
• Why High-Field Open MRI?
• Can someone sit with me during the MRI study?
• What if I am claustrophobic?
• What will my MRI examination be like?
• Is open MRI more expensive?
• Why open and traditional MRI?
• How is the Open High-Field MRI System different from other MRIs?
• What do you mean by High-Field Open MRI? And why would it be important?
Why High-Field Open MRI? High-Field Open MRI provides both outstanding image resolution and open architecture. Our High-Field magnetic strength allows for faster imaging and improved image quality. It also provides an excellent environment for claustrophobic and larger patients without having to give up image quality. One could say it offers the best of both worlds! back to top
Can someone sit with me during the MRI study? Yes, not only can they sit beside you, they can also support you by holding your hand (or your foot if your study is of, for example, your head or neck). In any case, we encourage you to bring a family member or friend, especially if this makes you more comfortable during the exam. back to top
What if I am claustrophobic? If you are claustrophobic (see additional FAQ section on anxiety & claustrophobia), it is recommended that you and your physician discuss sedation medication. If your physician does provide a prescription, you need to take the medication, with sufficient time for it to take effect, prior to the imaging appointment time. We also request that you bring any sedation medication with you to the appointment. Also, because some medication can cause drowsiness, we advise that anyone taking a prescription cannot drive themselves and need to make alternative arrangements to get home. (See Preparing for an MRI.) back to top
What will my MRI examination be like? Your examination will take place in a large, well lit, specially designed scanning room. The MRI technologist will help you to lie on a padded exam table which slides into the center of the Open magnet. Because the body part to be examined must be located in the center of the magnetic field, your whole body may be placed inside the machine. The center of the machine is located just 2.5 feet from the end. While the machine is in operation, it is normal to hear intermittent humming and thumping sounds. Motion can distort images, so you will be asked to lie still for 5 to 15 minutes at a time. Depending on the information your physician needs, your complete examination could take from 30 minutes to 1 hour. back to top
Is open MRI more expensive? There is nothing inherent to make High-Field Open MRI more expensive than traditional MRI. AIS MRI service is competitive in pricing with any comparable high-field MRI service (super-cooled magnet structures), whether an open or closed design. For the technical types: The major components of the MRI assembly are a series of concentric thermal shields and a supercooled electromagnet immersed in a liquid helium vessel, a cryostat, that maintains a constant, extremely low temperature (4 kelvin; -452° Fahrenheit) to achieve superconductivity. This is why true high-field MRI machines are expensive to purchase and maintain, compared to a low-field MRI (commonly called an extremity MRI). And why MRI studies are more expensive than other types (for example X-rays). back to top
Why open and traditional MRI? An Open MRI uses a technology approach that allows open space on both sides of the patient position. This approach accommodates patients with special needs, like body size or shape issues. Additionally, the Open MRI accommodates patients that may have acute claustrophobia and cannot tolerate the traditional MRI tunnel configuration. However, there are some MRI studies that are considered not suitable for the Open MRI technology. The Traditional 1.5T MRI is considered the gold standard in MRI and may be requested by your physician if the technology is more appropriate for your particular case. In either case, our staff will take the time to provide a supportive and caring approach to your MRI experience. At the same time, we will ensure the best quality study for your physician’s diagnostic needs. back to top
How is the Open High-Field MRI System different from other MRIs? The Open High Field system is designed to accommodate patients with special needs; those who are severely claustrophobic, very large, very old, fragile and/or in need of constant support throughout an exam. The “open-sided” gantry design means that it is completely open on the front back and sides. The Open High-Field magnet can accommodate all patients, minimize claustrophobic effect, allow patients to be accompanied by a supportive partner. At the same time, maintaining high image resolution that rivals other high-field closed systems. back to top
What do you mean by High-Field Open MRI? And why would it be important? There are other open MRI machines available that are not high-field, which means they do not use super-cooled magnets and other technologies to have a strong enough magnetic field to be called “high-field”. These machines can be referred to as “medium-field MRIs” or “extremity MRIs” and may use “permanent magnets” for their magnetic field. Since image resolution, and other imaging enhancement techniques, are directly related to field strength, low to medium field machines are often considered to be inferior quality, by some physicians and radiologists. This is why we make sure everyone considering an open MRI study at AIS knows our open MRI machine is a High-Field Open MRI. back to top