Medical imaging is an integral part of every medical facility because it helps physicians see what needs treatment inside a patient’s body. For example, a doctor may suspect a brain tumor, and the MRI scanner can help with further treatment, such as surgery.
However, you may not know what the different kinds of MRI scanners are. But don’t worry, we have just the information you need. This article will discuss the three standard MRI scanner designs available in the medical imaging market.
We will also provide you with other useful tips to decide which MRI scanner to get for your medical facility. Take this article as an opportunity to ensure that you find the best MRI scanner that is fit for your budget and patient-to-doctor ratio.
Closed Bore or Cylindrical
MRI scanners with a closed bore or cylindrical configuration have a superconducting solenoidal design, with the coils sitting in liquid helium within a homogenous field that runs at either one tesla or higher. A single non-stop solenoidal winding will initiate the central field, but only if it is infinite in length.
Closed bore configurations have a standard field symmetry located at the z-axis to minimize the fringe fields situated in the scanner’s ends, meaning the homogeneity can improve. However, note that there may be some minor fluctuations with the field strength, with higher fields placed under the bands and low fields within the gaps.
Open Bore or C-Shaped
MRI Scanners with open bore designs are often synonymous with horseshoes or C-shaped configurations. The field strength is lower than the closed bored configuration, averaging between 0.064 to 1.0 Tesla. The C-shaped open bore magnets have a ferromagnetic yoke and shoes (sometimes called pole pieces).
Field generation with this configuration is produced through the magnet pair seen at the yoke’s end between both air gap sides. You also have to remember that the yoke is not magnetically saturated.
There are open bore MRI scanners with permanent magnets with pole pieces that are either blocks or discs made of boron, iron, and neodymium. Some units can utilize superconducting or resistive electromagnets, wherein the yoke secures the magnets within the set alignment.
Dipolar Electromagnet
Dipolar electromagnet MRIs are momentarily discontinued, and you will have to stay updated on the digital imaging market for stocks. The coils can either be resistive or superconductive, depending on the manufacturer, and they range from half a tesla up to 1.2. Some configurations of this design have no visible magnetic yoke. There are still further developments being made to meet the medical industry demand.
Tips on Choosing the Appropriate MRI Scanner
Examine all the previously mentioned MRI scanner designs and consider the following tips to help you choose the right medical imaging unit for your medical facility:
- Consider customer care and 24/7 access to technical support: There may be unforeseen repairs and maintenance checks needed to ensure that your MRI scanner is working correctly. Invest in MRI scanner providers with these services.
- Identify your budget and operating costs: You need to be mindful of the MRI scanner’s price, average electricity consumption, maintenance costs, and how much MRI parts replacements are. That way, you can use medical imaging technology effectively in your medical facility.
Conclusion
Understanding the different MRI scanner designs can enable your hospital or clinic to provide timely medical imaging services for your patients’ effective assessment and treatment. Now, you have a better idea about each MRI scanner’s specifics and what you may need. Invest in the best MRI scanners today!
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