What is the difference between an Open MRI and a Closed MRI?
A standard, closed MRI is performed in a narrow, tube-like device so that the area of the body being imaged is at the center of the magnet. Although open on both ends, the closed MRI can feel confining to some patients. The open MRI, on the other hand, has openings on nearly all sides and the magnet that generates the image is typically suspended a few feet above the patient. The open MRI is therefore well suited for claustrophobic patients. Closed magnets have more powerful magnetic field strengths, which improves image quality. Our open magnet, however, is nearly equivalent to a closed magnet and has nearly equal image quality.
