What Is an Open MRI?

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

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

What are some of the advantages of an open MRI? Below are some of them;

 

Its Child Friendly

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

 

It Is Less Expensive

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

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

 

It Is Less Enclosed

Due to its being less enclosed, patients are at a lower risk of panic attacks and getting scared than those 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, they are unlikely to affect a patient in any way, especially when doctors are conducting a scan.

Despite the many advantages of using an open MRI, there are also some disadvantages, and they include the following;

 

It Could Be Better for Some Body Types

Not all bodies can be scanned 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 and make it hard to get results.

 

Image Quality May Be Low

Open MRI is known to produce scans with lower image resolutions and quality. Fat and water may be difficult to tell apart when doing an open MRI with the aim of getting good scan results.

In conclusion, an open MRI is very useful for scanning patients with the aim of getting proper results for their body organs.

 

Sources

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

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

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

 

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