What Is an Open MRI?

An open MRI is exactly as it sounds: it's open. Even though it’s open, it uses magnets, which are important in taking images of the body's internal organs.

Open MRI uses a magnetic top and bottom, and all four sides of the machine are open. Being open helps minimize the risk of patients getting panic attacks and claustrophobia, hence making the open MRI diagnose a disease very accurately.

Below are some of the advantages of using open MRI;

 

It Is Less Enclosed

Due to it being less enclosed, patients are at a lower risk of getting panic attacks as compared with using a closed MRI. Since the unit doesn’t necessarily fully enclose the body, it allows the patients to be as free and comfortable as possible in the open MRI.

 

It's Quieter

An open MRI is usually very quiet compared to a closed MRI. Even though sounds can be heard, it is very unlikely that they will affect a patient in any way whatsoever.

 

Its Child Friendly

Often, children don't respond well to being put in small and tight spaces, especially if they are left alone. An open MRI makes it very easy to scan children without them making a fuss about anything.

 

It Promotes Equity

Patients who are disabled find it very hard to use a closed MRI, and they can feel very isolated if forced to use it. However, an open MRI ensures that the patients are transported without a hitch, ensuring that they get scanned properly.

 

It Is Less Expensive.

Open MRI is less expensive, especially regarding maintenance and upfront costs, compared to closed MRI. The lower expense comes from an open MRI with permanent magnets and a cryogenic design.

Though the magnetic field is reduced, diagnosing some problems that might need a proper scan may be challenging.

Below are some of the disadvantages that may arise from using an open MRI;

 

Image Quality May Be Low

Open MRI is known to produce scans that are lower in terms of image resolution and quality. When doing an open MRI, fat and water may be difficult to tell apart.

 

It Could Be Better for Some Body Types

Not all bodies can be scanned by using open MRI. Because of the shape of an open MRI, certain body parts cannot be scanned properly, which may result in low-quality images. In conclusion, an open MRI is very advantageous during scanning due to the freedom people can move about during a scanning procedure.

Sources

1.  https://www.independentimaging.com/open-mri-look-like/

2.  https://www.independentimaging.com/open-mri-vs-closed-mri-difference-one-best-suited/

3.  https://www.independentimaging.com/open-mri-vs-closed-mri-difference-one-best-suited/

 

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