Landing on this page means you are familiar with MRI and want to learn about its open MRI scan or your doctor has asked you to do this examination, and the search results brought you to this article. Anyway, we will take you on a comprehensive journey, starting with a definition, passing through the details of the procedure, and eventually arriving at a recommended medical destination.
What does an Open MRI device look like?
One of the biggest differences between an open and a closed MRI is the device’s shape. The closed one is more similar to a capsule or a lengthy, thin tube where it could be necessary to access the patient’s complete body for imaging.
In 1977, the closed device was invented and tested on the human body. Almost 20 years later, the open device was developed and used in medical procedures.
A three-sided open device with a magnet only above and below, an open MRI scanner is not like a tube or a tunnel, offering patients more comfort while they are being examined.
As for the other distinctions between closed and open devices, we will describe these in another article. These differences include the open mri cost, the sound the device makes, and the strength of the magnet employed.
What happens during an Open MRI exam?
The open device examination procedure is very simple. After wearing a blue hospital gown and earplugs, the patient lies down on the examination table of the open mri scan to start. To get a clear image and precise results, the patient may occasionally be secured on the table using a coil and instructed to remain still for a period ranging from 15 to 40 minutes.
The duration of the examination varies according to the area to be imaged, and how the patient cooperates and pays attention to instructions. It is worth noting that the patient is allowed to bring a relative or friend to the examination room during the procedure for reassurance.
Typically, if you experience any health issues throughout the examination, you can push a button to halt the MRI.
Open MRI safety precautions
An open MRI scan, like its closed counterpart, uses a magnet to form the required image. Therefore, you should know that:
- Patients who have pacemakers, artery clips, or metallic objects inside the eye installed often don’t undergo MRIs (except in some cases and the open device only).
- You can avoid the hazards of a magnetic resonance examination by telling the doctor about any past procedures that were done on you, particularly procedures involving the implantation of metal objects.
- The doctor must be told if the patient has a tattoo since the radiation may irritate the skin in the tattoo area.
Although there are no known risks or adverse effects for pregnant women or the fetus when utilizing magnetic resonance, it is generally not advised to use it regularly for pregnant women unless necessary.
Uses of Open MRI Scan
The open MRI device is used to diagnose a wide range of diseases, including brain disorders, tumors, cancer, ENT disorders, diseases of the nerves, fractures, and many more.
Generally speaking, an open device can identify almost all health issues that a closed device can identify, with a few exceptions where your doctor might urge you to do an examination with a closed device for diagnostic purposes.
However, there are other situations where the open device is also ideal, which we will explain to you along with other device advantages.
Why Open MRI Scan ?
For some patients, the Open MRI machine is the best option due to its many benefits:
- Comfortable and safe for those with claustrophobic people, kids, and pregnant women because it is open on three sides.
- Quieter than the closed one in terms of the amount of sound emitted during the examination, which makes it more comfortable.
- Suitable for patients with broad shoulders who might not fit in a closed device and patients who are overweight (up to 250 kg).
- Easy to use for patients with wheelchairs or who have limited mobility.
- During the scan, the patient can communicate with his loved ones while maintaining eye contact from the open sides, which gives comfort and helps the patient remain calm.
- The flexibility of open devices allows for the patient’s position to be changed depending on the area that has to be imaged, for instance, from laying to standing while the patient is still on the same exam bed.
- Since shifting positions helps scan certain angles with correct imaging, which is crucial in some cases of spine, back pain, knee, and shoulder disorders, the Open mri scan can provide accurate images for those cases.
- Finally, the open device is preferred for diagnostic imaging in cases of a pacemaker or any metal screws implanted in the patient’s body, because Open MRI imaging is less influenced by the presence of these screws than the closed counterpart. Although both use a large magnet, the open device can use a weaker wave force to prevent the metals from degrading the image quality. NB. Medical consultation is necessary before an Open MRI scan in case of metal screws.
The nearest Open MRI center
The open MRI equipment is not available in many of the medical hospitals in Abu Dhabi, which has about 70 of them. There are only about 3 open mri centers in Abu Dhabi, and we, at The Open MRI center abu dhabi, are proud to lead the way among UAE medical facilities with our cutting-edge Open MRI scanner that produces exceptional outcomes and accurate, detailed images. We are ready to welcome you daily from 9 am to 9 pm, except on Sundays, at our center in Abu Dhabi, which is located at the intersection of Hamdan and Airport Road.