What is the difference between conventional and open MRI?
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. If a patient is truly claustrophobic and unable to undergo a conventional MRI examination, DIS now offers Open MRI as an imaging option for those patients who need an MRI but simply cannot tolerate the “closed in” feeling of a conventional MRI system. The main difference between conventional and Open MRI is magnetic field strength, overall design and the time it takes to acquire the images. While our conventional “high field” MRI systems range in strength from 1.0T to 1.5T, our ‘mid field” Open MRI system is .35T. This simply means that it will take
Historically, the main difference between conventional and open MRI has been in magnetic field strength, overall design and the time it takes to acquire images. This simply means that it used to take longer to obtain high quality images on an open MRI system than on a conventional MRI system. However, the technology gap between conventional and open MRI systems has narrowed significantly with the introduction of high-field open MRI systems. Technology aside, claustrophobic patients may find our high-field open MRI more comfortable. If you have concerns regarding claustrophobia please alert our schedulers when you call to make your arrangements and we will be happy to schedule your procedure on our High Field Open MRI. Our new 1.2 T High Field Open MRI provides the imaging quality of a traditional MRI unit with the comfort of an open MRI, even accommodating patients weighing as much as 500 pounds. Regardless of whether you choose to have your MRI procedure performed on a conventional or
