MRI machines

Devices for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Types and Differences

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine is a modern, high-tech computerized device that allows doctors to create a detailed image of the human body. With the help of the tomograph, physicians can perform routine examinations of the abdominal and pelvic organs, monitor the health of the breast, assess the condition of bones or soft tissues, and quickly and safely diagnose pathological changes in brain structures. High-quality tomographs featured on our website enable the acquisition of highly informative images and thin slices, allowing for the recognition of even minimal disruptions in the body’s functioning. Early diagnosis and timely detection of illnesses can lead to the selection of the most effective treatment method, significantly improving the recovery rate of patients.

The popularity of examination using a tomograph is determined by several important factors:

• This type of diagnosis is maximally safe for the patient, as it is not affected by X-rays but rather electromagnetic waves.
• Tomography allows for the assessment of not only the organ’s condition but also the state of adjacent tissues, vessels, and nerve endings.
• As a result of the examination, the doctor obtains highly precise and detailed information about the examined organ through volumetric images in different projections.

When is MRI prescribed?

For example, if a patient comes with complaints of recurrent headaches, the doctor is likely to prescribe a tomography examination, as it can not only diagnose pathological changes in brain tissues, timely identify tumors or sclerotic foci, observe the consequences of a stroke, but also assess the blood supply to the central nervous system, promptly detect vascular system issues such as aneurysms or thrombosis.

When there are complaints of pain in the chest or abdominal cavity, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not always prescribed, but it is through its assistance that a whole range of diseases can be diagnosed, which may not be visible on X-rays, ultrasound, or after standard laboratory tests.

So, during an MRI examination, you can examine:

• Bones, spine, small and large joints.
• Almost all internal organs of the human body.
• Muscles, tendons, and soft tissues.
• The condition of blood vessels and nerve endings.

When a doctor refers a patient for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination, the type of apparatus on which the diagnostic object will be visualized with maximum quality is clearly specified. What is an open MRI and a closed MRI? How do they differ, and what advantages do different types of tomographs have?

Types of MRI-apparatus

It is customary to classify MR-tomographs according to the type of construction:

• Open MRI
• Closed MRI
• Vertical MRI.

The diagnostic capabilities of a tomograph depend on its configuration, influencing accuracy, procedure duration, examination range, noise level, and the overall cost of the examination for patients.

The physical principle of operation for open and closed tomographs is practically the same: an MRI machine applies the force of a magnetic field, which temporarily alters the orientation of certain atoms in the cells of our body.

As known, the human body is composed of 75% water, and the water formula H2O contains two hydrogen atoms affected by the magnetic field of the device. During the diagnostic process, hydrogen protons resonate and generate waves, which the magnetic resonance tomograph receives, digitizes, and transforms into volumetric images. If tissues or organs have pathological changes, the signal structure changes, and on the MRI images, a clear distinction between healthy and affected tissues is visible. Videos from a series of snapshots or 3D images can be created on both types of devices. Contrast agents can also be used to obtain images on both tomographs.

Open MRI

An open MRI machine is a non-enclosed device without a tunnel. The patient is positioned on a special table, and the sources of the magnetic field and sensors that receive signals are located horizontally under the table and in the dome above the patient. The absence of lateral partitions allows the patient to see what is happening in the room, communicate with the medical staff or a close person, significantly reducing psychological stress during the procedure. The magnetic field in open MRI machines can only influence strictly perpendicular to the position of the patient’s body.

Advantages of open MRI machines

Тhe main advantages of open-type tomographs are

1. Increased patient comfort during the procedure: the low noise level during the examination in an open MRI machine reduces overall discomfort and minimizes the risk of panic, especially for pediatric patients.
2. Ability to avoid heating of the entire body.
3. Targeted action of the magnetic field on a specific anatomical part of the body, thanks to the design of the open tomograph.
4. Ability to examine patients with head injuries who may need to remain still for an extended period.
5. Capability to diagnose “heavy” patients (fractures, injuries) experiencing severe pain and patients with life support systems (dialysis, ventilators).
6. Diagnosis of patients with limited physical abilities, patients with partial or complete paralysis.
7. Conducting examinations of very young or highly active children.
8. Ability to perform examinations on patients with excessive weight (up to 200 kg), as well as pregnant women.
9. Capability to examine patients suffering from claustrophobia, panic attacks, PTSD, or psychiatric disorders.
10. Achieving high-quality visualization even if the patient moves slightly during the procedure.
11. Possibility of conducting examinations on patients with pacemakers or metal implants in the body (pins, stents, etc.).

After the introduction of open MRI, surgeons gained the ability to perform interventions under real-time device guidance. Such scanning is invaluable for thrombus removal, placing microclips on an aneurysm neck, and for shunting or prosthetic placement in veins and arteries.

Among the disadvantages of open-type tomographs, we can mention:

• relatively low power, which slightly increases the procedure time, and the clarity of the obtained images is somewhat lower than in closed-type MRI;
• due to the possibility of direct irradiation only in one plane, open tomographs are not used for the examination of the heart and lungs. It is also advisable to prefer other types of diagnostics when conducting examinations of the spine and brain.

Advantages of closed-type MRI

A closed tomograph looks like a wide tube with a diameter of 60-120 cm and a length of 1.4 to 2 meters. A movable table with a patient secured by straps is inserted into this tunnel. The sources generating the magnetic field, located inside the capsule, affect the body from all sides. The procedure itself is accompanied by a fairly loud noise, so patients are recommended to use earplugs. It is crucial not to move during the procedure, as it significantly reduces the image quality. During the diagnosis, doctors leave the room and observe the procedure from a separate room, maintaining communication with the patient through a radio device. Due to their design features, closed-type tomographs have high power and provide the ability to obtain high-quality and detailed visualization.

Classical closed tomography is used for informative visualization of the structures of the brain, breast, abdominal and pelvic organs, bone tissues, and vascular systems. Closed-type MRI is used to diagnose tumors of various locations, neurological pathologies, and issues with the cardiovascular system.

Among the advantages of traditional MRI are:

• optimal procedure time (on average – 15-20 minutes);
• high accuracy of results and informativeness of the obtained images.

Disadvantages of closed-type MRI

Among the disadvantages of closed -type tomographs, we can mention:

• claustrophobia, nervous disorders, presence of panic attacks;
• restrictions based on patient’s weight and dimensions (weight over 120 kg, abdominal size)
• loud noise during the procedure (sedation is possible upon patient’s request, earplugs, or headphones with pleasant music);
• impossibility of performing the procedure in the presence of a pacemaker or metal implants in the patient’s body;
• requirement for complete stillness of the patient (movement can significantly reduce the informativeness of the images).

Criteria for choosing an MRI machine

При підборі томографа слід орієнтуватися кілька основних параметрів:

• Power
• Magnet type
• Construction type
• Noise level
• Manufacturer
• Cost

On our website, we offer tomographs from reputable brands that stand out for their safety, a wide range of functionalities, ease of use, and high performance. Our tomographs meet the highest buyer requirements and have prospects for upgrades. The cost of MRI equipment depends on the tomograph’s power, design, functional features, device dimensions, and the manufacturing company.