What is an open MRI?
A conventional MRI machine involves placing the patient in a scanning chamber that is limited in size. In this chamber, a magnetic field is created, thanks to which it becomes possible to visualize the organs of the patient's body.
However, in some cases, the application of this survey method becomes difficult or even impossible. For example, claustrophobic individuals experience intense stress in the enclosed space of a scan camera. Therefore, they cannot remain calm and still during scanning. It is also difficult to conduct an MRI examination procedure for young children and people with mental disorders. But overweight people simply do not fit into the cell. For these groups of patients, it is reasonable to use open-type MRI equipment. You can go through diagnostics on such a device at https://www.meddiagnostica.com.ua/
An open-type MRI
machine does not have a "tube" or scanning chamber. The patient is placed in a separate room, in which a magnetic field is generated to allow the photographs to be taken. In this case, a medical worker or a relative of the patient may be with the patient. This helps to create a calmer and more stable atmosphere for the patient and allows for lengthy examinations, often lasting 30 to 40 minutes.
ADVANTAGES OF OPEN MRI
As already mentioned, open MRI allows examining patients of certain groups. These include seriously ill patients, for whom it becomes possible to carry out medical manipulations directly during the MRI procedure. It is also convenient to use an open-type apparatus in the case of examining patients with severe injuries who cannot assume a lying position. Examination of the spine in such a situation becomes possible thanks to open MRI.
Young children who experience stress during any medical procedure can also easily tolerate an open-type MRI, since they can be in the room with their parents. It is easier for them to remain calm and still in the presence of loved ones.
DISADVANTAGES OF OPEN MRI
In addition to the listed advantages, open MRI has several disadvantages. This is, first of all, a low magnetic field voltage. It is impossible to create a sufficient voltage of the magnetic field in an open space, therefore, the quality of images, in comparison with closed-type MRI, is significantly lower. Thus, an open-type MRI does not provide an opportunity to:
visualize small details of organs; examination of blood vessels is difficult; movable organs (heart, lungs); a longer period of the procedure and the need to remain immobile throughout the entire time of its implementation. Despite these shortcomings, open-type MRI enables examinations that were previously unavailable.
INDICATIONS FOR OPEN MRI
Usually, an open-type MRI is done to confirm a diagnosis already made, for example, when confirming a disability. This type of survey is also carried out in cases where there is no closed-type equipment nearby. But, most often, open-type MRI is performed on patients of the groups described above.
It should be noted that an open-type tomograph has a lower noise level, which does not generate psychological stress, which has a positive effect on the patient's condition, therefore, patients with an unstable psyche and increased emotionality are also recommended to be examined with an open-type tomograph.
