Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an essential diagnostic tool for producing detailed images of the body's internal structures. There are three primary types of machines—closed-bore, wide-bore, and open—each with unique features and applications.
The differences go beyond the machine’s physical design, affecting patient comfort, image quality, and operational costs. Whether you’re a healthcare provider considering an upgrade or simply curious about MRI technology, understanding these distinctions is vital for making informed decisions.
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine creates detailed images of the body's internal structures using powerful magnets and radio waves to make the soft tissues more visible.
It enables rapid diagnostics for diseases, especially those in the internal organs or brain. They are also helpful for musculoskeletal and spinal problems and can help with early cancer diagnoses.
There are three different MRI types: closed and wide bore models and open ones. Bore refers to the opening in the machine where the patient slides in. Let’s take a look at their differences.
A closed-bore model is a traditional option with a 60 cm-wide opening. In this system, the patient lies on a narrow table inside the narrow opening, which limits their movement and the size of the person who can fit. These models typically have the most powerful magnets, from 1.0T to 3.0T, resulting in superior images that can be completed faster.
A wide-bore model emerged since not all patients can fit into the closed models. Furthermore, not all patients, especially claustrophobic ones, can tolerate sitting inside narrow openings long enough to perform quality scans. These models have a larger opening of about 70cm. They allow for better patient comfort but do not create a wider field of view. The magnets can still be nearly or as strong as the closed models.
The open MRI is just what it sounds like: it is completely open. Instead of an opening that the patient sits inside, two flat magnets are positioned above and beneath the patient. This eliminates all concerns of body size and claustrophobia. The one drawback is that they are less powerful, with magnets generally between 0.2 and 0.7T.
Like everything, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to which machine is best. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing which is best for your practice.
Closed systems have the smallest opening, restricting patient mobility and positioning options. The closed-in feeling, the loud banging noises they hear inside, and the length of time they must sit still can negatively impact patient comfort and trigger those who suffer from claustrophobia.
Systems with wider openings can result in less anxiety and claustrophobia and can also accommodate larger patients with a weight limit of 550 pounds. However, the open bore is best for very large or claustrophobic patients since it is designed for spaciousness. They also allow for the greatest freedom of movement and positioning, which is best for patients with limited mobility.
The initial purchase cost of an MRI scanner will vary with many factors, including magnet strength. Additional factors to consider include: maintenance expenses, service fees, installation costs, and whether remodeling the room is required.
In terms of bore size, open MRIs are typically less expensive than other models due to lower maintenance costs and a less powerful cryogen-free design with permanent magnets. Less engineering is also required for installation and ongoing service contracts.
Space can be essential if you have a room that cannot be expanded. MRI suites require a minimum of 3 rooms: one each for the patient, the equipment, and the control room where the technician operates the machine.
The average space needed for this is 800-850 square feet. However, open MRIs are larger machines that take up more space. Still, different manufacturers offer machines of various sizes, so discuss your options with your vendor.
Closed systems can accommodate the strongest magnetic fields, quickly producing higher-quality images. This can be critical for certain diagnostic fields. Wide-bore machines can also accommodate strong magnets, but their quality is not as good as closed models. Open MRIs have weaker magnets and an inferior signal-to-noise ratio, so they have the lowest image quality, limiting diagnostic capabilities, especially when imaging smaller body parts.
However, the trade-off is that most people can utilize these who cannot be scanned in the others.
Your patient demographics will affect body type, medical conditions, mobility issues, preferences, and comfort issues. Furthermore, patients with sensory sensitivities or cognitive impairments may be more sensitive to the more confining space and loud noises experienced in closed models.
Finally, very large patients or those with mobility issues may not fit the closed or wide models.
No, a wide-bore MRI still has an opening the patient slides into with magnets on all sides; it’s just called wide since the opening is wider than closed models. In contrast, open models are open on three sides, so there is no hole. Instead, the magnets are placed above and below the patient.
A closed MRI can accommodate stronger magnets and has a better signal-to-noise ratio to produce higher-quality images. Open MRI uses a different technology and weaker magnets, so the images have limited diagnostic capabilities, depending on which body part is being examined.
Choosing which type of MRI to get for your clinic is a big decision. When deciding which machine is best, consider patient comfort, demographics, and accessibility, as well as image quality, spatial requirements, and the overall cost. Carefully balancing those considerations with your specific diagnostic needs will enable you to make the best decision.
Contact the knowledgeable team at Maven Imaging if you have any questions, or request a quote today. Our friendly staff are available 24/7 to help you navigate your options.