For people who are claustrophobic, they will find Capitol Imaging Services (CIS) very helpful in allowing them to complete an MRI exam. If you have concerns regarding claustrophobia or anxiety about having an MRI study, please alert the person who schedules your appointment for an MRI and he or she will be happy to schedule your exam on one of our High Field Open MRI systems.
The CIS 1.2T High Field Open MRI scanners provides the imaging quality of a traditional MRI with the comfort of a true open-architecture system. How comfortable and accommodating?
In 2011, CIS was able to accommodate a patient that weighed over 600 pounds and needed an MRI to evaluate a potential thyroid issue. Other traditional MRI units at hospitals and other outpatient imaging centers were not able to provide the appropriate clinical and system accommodation.
We did.
When would I get a High Field Open MRI?
Your medical provider, in conjunction with CIS, would recommend an open MRI for people who have received the recommendation for an MRI, but are feeling nervous and anxious about the exam. In many cases, people can avoid taking medication by choosing one our many open systems and enjoying a more comfortable, relaxed experience.
Health care professionals use MRI scans to diagnose a variety of conditions, from torn ligaments to tumors. MRI is very useful for examining the brain and spinal cord.
The benefits of the 1.2T MRI system include:
- high Field strength for excellent image quality for the doctors
- better comfort of a true open-architecture unit
- a wide 270 degree view of the exam room, so a person can see all around
- accommodation of bariatric people who will not fit in a traditional closed MRI
- studies often completed in less time
- the possibility that a family member may accompany a person or child having the MRI into the exam room.
MRI is often recommended as an important tool before a person undergoes a surgical procedure. Meaning, you have a higher likelihood of getting surgery with your condition.
What Will I Experience?
MRI exams are painless. However, some patients find it challenging to remain still. The scanner can be noisy. Nervous or anxious patients may be offered a mild sedative if available in the facility.
A patient may also ask their medical provider to prescribe a mild sedative to take before the exam. If a mild sedative is taken, the patient will need to have someone drive them to our center and take them home once the exam is done.
It is normal for the area of your body being imaged to feel slightly warm. It is important that you remain perfectly still while the images are being recorded, which is typically only a few seconds to a few minutes at a time. You will know when images are being recorded because you will hear tapping or thumping sounds when the coils that generate the radiofrequency pulses are activated. You will be able to relax between imaging sequences, but will be asked to maintain your position as much as possible.
You will usually be alone in the exam room during the MRI procedure. However, the technologist will be able to see, hear and speak with you at all times using a two-way intercom.
If you have an exam that requires an injection of intravenous contrast material, it is normal to feel coolness and a flushing sensation for a minute or two following the injection. The intravenous needle may cause you some discomfort when it is inserted and once it is removed, you may experience some bruising. There is also a very small chance of irritation of your skin at the site of the IV tube insertion.
The length of time for an MRI exam will vary. Typically, most MRI scans will last 30 to 60 minutes.
