Open MRI is quite safe in the majority of patients. Certain patients may not be able to have an MRI. These include people with implanted medical devices such as aneurysm clips in the brain, pacemakers and cochlear (inner ear) implants. Also, people with pieces of metal close to or in an important organ (such as the eye) may not be scanned.

Yes. The magnetic field and radio waves pose no health risks or side effects. You will be asked to complete a safety-screening questionnaire before your exam to determine if you the right candidate for MRI . See similar questions...

Open MRI systems offer patients a quieter, more comfortable and stress-free environment for diagnostic testing. Our open MRI scanners are open on all four sides, eliminating the confined spaces and dark tunnels of traditional high-field MRI scanners. Patients can enjoy the benefits of MRI scanning without the fear of confinement or having to take sedatives. See similar questions...

To date, no, an open MRI does not produce the same quality images as a closed MRI. Although imaging with an open MRI has improved over the years, a closed MRI continues to provide superior images. Claustrophobic patients and patients who are overweight have had a very hard time with the MRI procedure in the past due to the small opening and long length of the tube (called a bore). See similar questions...

If you have a pacemaker, you should not be imaged because the pacemaker may be damaged in the magnetic field of the scanner. If you have metal filings, shrapnel, or ferromagnetic clips or pins in your body, you probably will not be imaged because these objects could be twisted by the magnetic field and cause serious injuries. Most new surgical metal implants are made of a high quality stainless steel which is non-magnetic. You can be imaged with these. Dental fillings and bridgework are okay. See similar questions...

DIS offers conventional MRI at three of our locations: Metairie, Uptown and Marrero. Our conventional MRI systems are 1.0T and 1.5T magnets that provide high quality images in a short amount of time. While our 1.0T MRI units may be considered conventional, there is nothing conventional about our 1.5T Infinion MRI system. Its wide aperture, short bore design, virtually eliminates claustrophobia, while providing more comfort to our patients. See similar questions...

MRI is considered a safe exam. However, conclusive studies regarding potential hazards to a pregnancy have not been established. In this respect, MRI is generally not performed on women during their first trimester (12 weeks) of pregnancy. If your physician feels the need to order an MRI during pregnancy, ask him or her to explain the benefits and risks associated with this exam. See similar questions...

Currently we scan pregnant patients only when it is considered medically beneficial. Your referring physician and an MRI Board Certified Radiologist will consult with one another and will sign consent forms deeming the MRI as a medically necessary procedure. Your doctor will then discuss the risks and benefits with you, and you will be asked to sign a consent form at the time of your appointment. See similar questions...

Yes. The Cannon Catheter presents no additional risks to the patient or other individuals during use with shielded magnetic resonance (MR) systems up to 3.0-Tesla, but may produce some MR imaging artifact in the area of the device. As always, the clinician should follow hospital protocol when making decisions regarding compatibility. For a more detailed discussion on MRI safety the following websites are listed for your convenience: See similar questions...

Although both an Open MRI and a traditional MRI work on the same principles, there are major differences in terms of comfort for the patient. In the traditional MRI, patients are encased in a tunnel-like device throughout the course of the examination. Patients often complain of the close quarters and the rising anxiety levels associated with feelings of claustrophobia. The Open MRI at Wilson Regional MRI provides the patient a relaxing environment in which to have the procedure performed. See similar questions...

Our new GE Openspeed MRI is the most advanced Open MRI available. For patients that are larger or truly claustrophobic, it offers unparalleled images. The design of the magnet reduces the anxiety of the patient and produces the clear, reliable pictures your doctor needs. See similar questions...

A child is naturally more relaxed while undergoing an Open MRI rather than a closed MRI because the parents are kept in view at all times. The windows and the intercom system make the child relaxed and confident, alleviating the fears that can result from an imagination and an unfamiliar medical procedure. Parents also feel comforted, as they are able to watch their child through the entire procedure. See similar questions...

Most Safe Place sites have a Safe Place decal that says, "If Closed Call" and provides a local number to contact. If the decal is not there, you can look for another Safe Place site that is open or call the local community crisis line. You could also check in the phone directory to see if Safe Place is listed. See similar questions...