subject: Open MRI – Advantages over Traditional MRIs [print this page] One of the main advantages of open MRI over traditional MRIs lies in its sleek and compact design which has made it more spacious and least confining. This new diagnostic device is extremely beneficial to patients who may be large in size and those who are claustrophobic. Not only does it provide a more relaxed environment for patients but also makes it easy and convenient for them to undergo the scan.
Notable Features of Open MRI
Though both types of MRI function along the same lines, the open MRI device is more powerful than its predecessor. Its enhanced imaging technology renders hi-definition pictures in 3-D cross section that can help a physician determine the medical condition afflicting the patient. Today, open MRIs are used extensively by health centers, hospitals and even clinics for identifying:
Facial/neck abnormalities
Infection
Disorders of the brain
Abnormalities of eye
Cardiac conditions
Disorders in blood flow and blood vessels
Spinal diseases
Early detection of tumor
Abdominal diseases
Knee and shoulder injuries
Musculoskeletal disorders
Open MRIs generate lesser degree of noise in the form of knocking or thumping and patients generally don't require earplugs. In most cases patients don't need to be administered a contrast agent; this is especially true in the case of a liver scan. Children who may have anxiety in undergoing the scan can have their parent or guardian beside them.
High Accuracy and Early Detection
The advantages of open MRI over traditional MRIs are unsurpassed, especially when it comes to the patient's safety and comfort. The parameters of the sophisticated device can be changed for detailed view of the region which requires scanning. Physicians recommend open MRI owing to its high accuracy which helps in early detection of serious conditions such as cancer and tumors.
