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.

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...

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. 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...

The MRI machine is a tube (or bore) surrounded by a large circular magnetic field, which a moveable bed moves through. See similar questions...

If you suffer from claustrophobia, it is definitely more beneficial to have an open MRI. The sides of the scanning booth are open, versus the tunnel-like closed MRIs. The entryway is also high, wide and airy. The built-in intercom system provides added peace-of-mind. A technician is always available with just the push of a button to alleviate fear or discomfort. Compared to the traditional Closed MRI, an Open MRI puts anxieties caused from claustrophobia at ease. See similar questions...

Siemens Medical Solutions has introduced the "Magneto C!" a new open 0.35 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging system (MRI). The Magneto C! is currently the most compact C-shaped permanent magnet that meets routine clinical requirements for neurology, orthopedics, and angiography, as well as pediatrics, oncology, and cardiology. System advantages include high field technology and excellent image quality. In addition, the system is open on three sides. See similar questions...

Both of our scanners are state of the art utilizing the latest in technology. The differences between the two scanners typically revolve around the length of time you will be in the magnet. The High-Field MRI can acquire images between 20-45 minutes and the Open MRI will take between 30-60 minutes. This difference is related to the strength of the magnets. The designs of the two magnets are aimed at reducing claustrophobia and anxiety. See similar questions...

Absolutely not. The procedure is completely painless; in fact, the patient does not see or feel anything. The Open MRI is so comfortable that it makes relaxation easy. You may detect a faint knocking sound, which is completely normal. It is simply the imaging process in action. At Wilson MRI, because of the open sides windows, you will have the comfort of knowing that someone can see you at all times. See similar questions...

Zwanger-Pesiri utilizes the Siemens 3.0 Tesla Ultra High Field MRI and the Siemens 1.5 Tesla High Field Open Bore MRI. Now all patients can benefit from this advanced technology. The 3.0 Tesla MRI, with sophisticated TIM coil technology, offers the most extensive MRI study possible. The 1.5 Tesla MRI is the first true open-bore MRI on the market with short open-bore design. It is perfect for very large patients (weighing up to 500 pounds), and claustrophobic patients. See similar questions...