High-Field Open MRI

An MRI is an excellent tool for diagnosing and treating many health concerns. Using a magnetic field and radio waves, MRI is capable of viewing internal body parts such as the organs, tissues and bones. Most MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets and can be uncomfortable for many patients.

Open MRI machines however, provide for a more comfortable experience for patients that experience claustrophobia, have pain or mobility issues, or are larger in size. They are also an ideal solution for children.

Richmond | 3310 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098

High-Field Open MRI Procedure

An MRI is an often-necessary exam for diagnosing and treating various health concerns. MRI creates detailed images of internal body structures such as organs, tissues and bones using a magnetic field which works with radio waves to create clear, 3D images that can be viewed from different angles.

While an MRI exam is noninvasive and painless, it can be uncomfortable for many people due to the structure of the machine, which includes a large, tube-shaped magnet, in which the patient must lay still for the duration of the exam.

When the Open MRI was first introduced in the 1990’s as a solution to the enclosed structure of the traditional MRI, it yielded low-quality images as compared to the conventional MRI machines. Today however, we have the High-Field Open MRI, which delivers comparable image quality combined with an increased level of comfort for many patients. These systems are often ideal for claustrophobic patients, young children, patients with a larger body size, and those experiencing pain or other mobility issues.

Some of our centers also have “Wide-Bore” machines, which means that the tube is larger than the traditional MRI. It is important to keep in mind, however, these alternative MRI machines are not able to perform every type of exam, so you will have to ask ahead if one of them is right for your study.