It’s common for people to put off getting an MRI because they’re claustrophobic. But what if you could receive a more comfortable MRI, one that didn’t make you feel like you’re trapped inside an enclosed tube?
Enter the open MRI. Located inside a large exam room, this extraordinary technology gives patients an unobstructed view, creating a more comfortable imaging experience. And an open MRI is closer to home than you might think. Northwest Specialty Hospital in Post Falls is home to North Idaho’s only open MRI machine.
Lots of local people have told us they’re curious about the benefits of open MRI and want to understand how it compares with traditional MRIs. Let’s explore the differences in this blog post.
Traditional vs. Open MRI: What’s the difference?
Doctors and imaging technologists alike have relied on MRI machines to take high-quality pictures of organs and structures inside your body for nearly five decades. If you’ve ever broken a bone, experienced back pain, or suffered a stroke, it’s a good bet that you’ve had an MRI.
Traditional MRIs have their drawbacks. They’re large, tunnel-shaped devices that use high-powered magnets and radio waves to take pictures. Patients who get a closed or traditional MRI must sit still inside a confined space for several minutes. Plus, the whirring and clanging noises of the machine can increase feelings of distress, especially for people who are claustrophobic.
The best open MRIs offer considerable advantages to traditional MRI. In an open MRI, patients retain a full line of sight throughout the test, and in some cases they may not even need to put their head into the machine.
Open MRIs are also quieter than closed models. Imaging studies can be completed faster using open MRIs, which means patients don’t need to lie still for too long. Plus, because patients are more at ease, open MRIs deliver higher quality imaging, allowing physicians to diagnose medical problems with improved accuracy.
Inside North Idaho’s only Open MRI
At Northwest Specialty Hospital, we embrace a patients-first approach to care. That’s why we’re so excited to offer our patients the OASIS Velocity High-Field Open MRI by Fujifilm. It’s the latest advancement in MRI technology, transforming the imaging experience by making it more patient-centered.
Here are just a few of the reasons why the OASIS Velocity open MRI benefits patients throughout the Inland Northwest:
A comfortable, reassuring environment
The open-sided design of the OASIS MRI maximizes patient comfort. Our open MRI suite also includes integrated lighting and SoftSound™ gradient technology, which reduces the acoustic noise generated by the machine, further putting patients at ease.
Unique table technology
Patients using our open MRI will benefit from an extra-wide table that measures nearly 33 inches across. Patients can move side-to-side within the scanner. This eliminates the need to hold a “Superman” pose (arm extended over the head) for extended periods of time. As a result, patients can relax more and worry less.
Enhanced image quality and faster scans
When you receive an MRI, you want to be sure that your providers get the clearest images possible so they can make the most accurate diagnoses. Our open MRI delivers high-quality, crystal-clear images — better than traditional MRI machines — reducing the need for repeat MRIs. Plus, the combination of this new technology and revamped workflows allow our team of experts to complete your scan much faster (up to twice as fast) when compared with traditional MRIs.
Who can have an Open MRI?
Open MRI is ideal for a wide range of patients, and it’s close to home for people in Coeur d’Alene, Huetter, and everywhere in between. An open MRI near you is particularly beneficial for:
People with orthopedic or spine problems
An open MRI helps diagnose herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sports injuries, and other orthopedic or spine conditions. The OASIS Velocity High-Field Open MRI offers enhanced image quality in areas around the middle (thoracic) parts of the spine, also known as T-spine images. This creates more precise diagnoses, allowing us to find the root cause of back or spine pain.
People who live with obesity
Individuals with a high body mass index (BMI) sometimes put off bariatric surgery due to concerns about getting an MRI. An open MRI solves many of these problems. Our machine can accommodate weights of up to 660 pounds, allowing us to create a comfortable, non-claustrophobic imaging experience for diverse patient populations.
Kids and older adults
The open architecture of our MRI brings multiple benefits to pediatric patients and older individuals. It provides reassurance and ease of access. Plus, it allows a caregiver to sit by their side throughout the procedure, which calms nerves and creates a better experience.
What to expect during an Open MRI at Northwest Specialty Hospital
While the technology behind our open MRI is impressive, it’s our dedicated team that truly sets us apart. When you receive an open MRI at Northwest Specialty Hospital, you’ll be cared for by the experts at Northwest Imaging Center. We’re dedicated to providing high-quality care to all individuals in North Idaho who trust us with their care.
Our team includes Braddley Griffitts, MD, the medical director of imaging. He’s a fellowship-trained diagnostic radiologist with nearly a decade of imaging experience. In addition, our top-notch technologists and support staff will be by your side before, during, and after your MRI. We’ll answer your questions, address your concerns, and make sure you have the most comfortable imaging experience possible.
Along with open MRI, we offer a complete line of other imaging services, including CT scans, ultrasounds, DXA scans for bone density, and X-rays. We also provide interventional radiology to diagnose and treat certain medical conditions.
Experience the future of MRI imaging
If you’re looking for the best open MRI in North Idaho, ask your doctor to write an order for an MRI at Northwest Imaging Center. Count on us to create a friendly atmosphere that puts your safety and comfort first, while also diagnosing your condition with the utmost precision.