Diving Into MRI Machines – Types And Uses

The medical world is the leading landscape of change, as discoveries are made every day in the name of health and life. Although advancements are done daily, one of the most compelling machines today remains to be the MRI, which is formally known as the magnetic resonance imaging machine. 

It’s essentially a medical imaging tool, used to diagnose conditions in sophisticated and profound ways. It can create low-level magnetic fields, which then allows a person’s body atoms to react. The computer within the scanner identifies these reactions, turning them into sharp visual images of the patient’s body. 

As a result, doctors and other healthcare professionals are able to diagnose conditions properly, as well as provide the right treatment plan for better patient outcomes. While MRI machines of the past looked and worked the same way, variations have been made. Today, patients now have access to different MRI scanners, and we take a look at the three types today:

MRI Type #1: The Closed MRI 

The closed MRI machine is the traditional design, where patients are required to lay in a large tube. These scanners have the capacity to produce the best quality images, down to the last detail of the specific organ. Unfortunately, patient comfort is almost always compromised.

Most claustrophobic patients are unable to withstand staying in the small tube, causing them to panic. This poses a challenge, particularly since the closed MRI machine needs patients to lie extremely still. Any movement can make the scanning process impossible to do. 

MRI Type #2: The Open MRI

Since claustrophobic patients cannot withstand the traditional MRI machines, experts developed the open MRI. This allows patients to be more comfortable during the scanning process, but the first models of the machine could not produce quality images. 

This is because of the reduction in magnets, but newer models are now capable of producing quality ones, quite close to those created by closed versions. The open MRI still requires patients to lie down, but anything that encloses their movement is no longer necessary.

MRI Type #3: The Standing MRI 

In the realm of healthcare, comfort is vital to the overall experience of patients. Quality of care means taking the slightest discomfort into account, which is why recent MRI machines can now accommodate patients who wish to sit or stand. However, such comfort comes with a price.

Although highly innovative and accommodating, these MRI machines cannot produce quality images just yet. Innovators continue the quest of perfecting these models, but for now, they’re reserved for patients in specific conditions.

The Bottom Line

Physicians and patients alike all over the world rely on the promise of MRI machines. These incredibly powerful machines are necessary for the proper diagnosis and treatment of countless medical conditions, particularly those difficult to detect. 

MRI technology can be used to produce detailed photographs of the body systems, all of which have pushed the boundaries of the medical landscape forever. It’s important to remember that this technique still holds potential, and the production of even better machines is in the works. 

To learn more about the medical imaging scene and MRI parts, DirectMed Parts is the place to call. We are a team with the most reliable sources of everything imaging, with various MRI and CT scanners readily available for your use. Allow our talented professionals to help you—reach out to us today.