An Open Upright MRI scanner is an alternative for patients who are claustrophobic, cannot lie down due to pain, or whose size prevents them from being evaluated in a traditional MRI scanner. During the scan you can stand or sit, with an unobstructed view forward — you can even watch TV during most exams.
Since the open MRI system only uses magnets above and below you and not on all sides, it takes longer for the technologist to scan the targeted area, meaning it doesn't produce full images.
Another type of open MRI machine is a stand-up MRI, also called an “open upright MRI”, scans your body while in a fully upright, standing, tilted (lying down with the head elevated), or other position. This technology can help fulfill your imaging needs if you cannot lie flat.
When not properly accommodated during an MRI, claustrophobic patients may experience panic attacks, which can bring on increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, chills, sweating, and other distressing symptoms.
People who are claustrophobic may fare better with open MRI machines. It is also more comfortable for very overweight or obese patients. The high-field open MRI offers more space and more airflow for greater comfort. Open MRI machines have wider openings and are less confining.
Both open or closed MRIs can provide accurate results. However, due to its design, in some cases an open MRI is not able to take images of certain areas of the body. Also, the images that are captured may be of lesser quality of that of a closed MRI. For this reason, certain scans must be taken with a closed MRI.
You will be asked to remove any clothing containing metal and all jewelry. You will be provided metal free clothing to change into such as gown, shorts or pants. Lockers are available to safely store all personal items such as wallet, purse, keys, phone and other electronic devices.
Not intentionally. Many of our examinations require your cooperation and ability to follow commands to hold your breath to produce the images required to make a diagnosis. For those examinations, we will not allow you to fall asleep.
Many MRI procedures don't require your head to go inside the machine at all, but if you need a head or upper spine MRI, you'll appreciate the fact our machine provides a full 12 inches of clearance between your face and the wall – relieving stress for our patients with claustrophobia.
For patients who may experience claustrophobia during an MRI scan and require prophylaxis, the University of Wisconsin Department of Radiology suggests the use of Lorazepam (Ativan, Temesta), a short-to-intermediate duration benzodiazepine.
An open MRI is more comfortable and easier to tolerate than traditional closed machines. Open MRIs have a clear view of the scan area, making them ideal for certain types of scans, such as brain scans.
The test usually takes 30 to 60 minutes but can take as long as 2 hours.
You'll enter the scanner either head first or feet first, depending on the part of your body being scanned. In some cases, a frame may be placed over the body part being scanned, such as the head or chest.
Open MRI Scan - £550 - Marylebone, London. Private, Self Refer, Self Pay.
It's important that patients remove all clothing prior to their MRI exam. We ask patients to remove: All outer clothing, including shoes. Bras or any undergarment that could have metal in it.
A CT scan may be recommended if a patient can't have an MRI. People with metal implants, pacemakers or other implanted devices shouldn't have an MRI due to the powerful magnet inside the machine. CT scans create images of bones and soft tissues.
If the patient's weight exceeds 260 lbs, the patient is instructed to measure their body diameter to determine whether they will safely fit within the MRI bore. These patients are scheduled at sites with the largest bore diameter.
The space where the patient lies is much wider than a fixed MRI and most of the time their head will be outside of the machine during the scan. Here at Derry Imaging, we have two machines available, a traditional MRI and a “Wide Bore” Open MRI.
Counting numbers or listening to music: Counting slowly or listening to a soothing melody can help distract you and make the time pass quickly while you are in the scanner. Talk to the Technician: In most instances, you can speak to the technician throughout most of the procedure.
Keep your eyes closed or even wear a blindfold.
It's much easier in an open MRI it's wider than a standard scanner, so patients shouldn't feel any walls touching them.
The technologist will ask you several times to hold your breath and stay still to be able to get good pictures. You will be asked each time to hold your breath for twenty seconds. This part is very important because we cannot do the MRI examination, if you cannot hold your breath long enough.