One of the most confusing parts about getting an MRI is distinguishing the differences in the types of MRI's. Most people don't even realize there are three different types of MRI's and some patients just go wherever their doctor refers them. Know the differences between MRI types and know which type of MRI is truly open.
Closed MRI’s
Have closed bores. Closed bores usually have a higher magnetic strength (somewhere between 1.0T and 3.0T), and a bore diameter of somewhere around 60 cm. Generally speaking the rule with MRI’s is that the smaller the bore, the greater the image clarity, so even though closed MRI’s are ranked lower for patient comfort, they’re definitely the best option if you need a high-clarity study.
As far as the other two types of MRI’s, this is where it gets a bit confusing, partly because machines with “open bores” and machines with “wide bores” are in many cases both referred to as “Open MRI machines”. This is how we like to differentiate between the two:
The Open MRI
It's completely different from a closed. Instead of the bore being like a tube that completely encircles the patient, it’s got two flat magnets above and below a large space where the patient lies. You’re not closed in, so if you’re claustrophobic or just enjoy having some extra space, then this is the MRI scan for you. We like to refer to machines with the open bore as “truly open MRI’s”.
Wide-bore MRI
Machines with the wide bore are what we call “sort of open MRI’s”, and they’re exactly what they sound like: a middle ground between open MRI’s and closed MRI’s. The wide bore is slightly larger than the closed bore, coming in at around 70cm, so patients get a little more space than they would in a traditional closed bored. Although wide bore machines are more “open” than closed bore machines, they still don’t provide patients with the amount of space necessary to classify as a “truly open” machine.
As our name indicates, we prefer open MRI scanners. Open MRI technology offers the best imaging quality and a comfortable experiecene for each patient that visits our center. Whether you struggle with claustrophobia or just concerned about your MRI scan, Open MRI is the solution for all of your worries. Schedule your open MRI appointment conveniently online!