Open MRI is an advance over traditional MRI.
The open MRI equipment has a larger opening, as well as the space in which the patient is placed. The patient can undergo the test in a more relaxed, comfortable and pleasant state, which is beneficial for the following cases:
- Children: no sedation is needed and parents can remain in the room, making it less intimidating for younger children.
- Elderly: it is not necessary for them to lie on the table, for their comfort.
- People with anxiety: the fact of remaining seated and not having to get inside a tube relaxes them.
- People with obesity: there is no weight limitation, but the diameter of the thigh in the case of knee tests.
- People with claustrophobia: the body remains outside the scanning tunnel and putting the head inside it is avoided.
- People with implants: if you have an implant in an anatomical area, image acquisition may not be affected.
What does it consist of?
It is a painless and safe analysis that uses an electromagnetic field with a magnet. The objective of this is to obtain detailed and quality images of the patient’s organs and structures, in order to obtain a subsequent diagnosis.
Why is it performed?
This open resonance system is especially useful for the following applications:
- Orthopedic
- Pediatric
- Bariatric
In addition, it allows to perform the different applications of routine MRIs, such as spine, cranial, fetal, cardiac, liver, ovarian, pancreas, prostate, among others.
Preparation for open MRI
As in the case of traditional MRI, no previous preparation is necessary. Only in the case that the study is aimed at studying a component of the digestive system it will be advisable that the patient comes fasting, as in the case of requiring the administration of contrast.
What does it feel like during the test?
The test has a shorter duration, which is beneficial for the centers and patients, and it is normally performed in less than 20 minutes. Another advantage is that it is performed with minimal noise and is very comfortable for the patient, who remains seated in an ergonomic chair.