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 There are various MRI unit designs. The most commonly used are the
following:
Short Bore Unit
This newly designed high-field strength magnet offers both shorter
exam times as well as greater patient comfort. The unit is donut-shaped,
giving the claustrophobic patient a less confining environment. Large
patients also benefit from the short, wide opening in the technology.
Fortunately, despite these design enhancements, physicians can still
expect the highest quality images. The new short-bore MRI has the ability
to obtain high-resolution images 30 to 50 percent faster than traditional
MRI.
Open Unit
The open MRI is a technological alternative to the closed unit for
patients who suffer from claustrophobia, and some large patients may
also choose the open unit for maximum comfort. The open MRI has clear,
unobstructed space on all three sides, so patients can see and talk
to staff during the exam. For pediatric patients, parents can sit by
the child's side during the exam to increase their comfort and security.
Because its magnet offers a low to mid-field strength, the exam time
is generally longer than the traditional (closed) unit. Depending on
the area of the body being tested, the open unit will usually give
diagnostic information similar to that of the closed unit.
The open MRI at the ACC is accredited by the American College of
Radiology.
Traditional (Closed) Unit
The traditional unit is tunnel shaped. Historically, it has been
physician’s first choice in diagnostic technology because its
high-field strength magnet gives the most detailed/best resolution
image. Although somewhat confining, the exam time is relatively short,
lasting between 20 and 30 minutes.
MRI at ACC is accredited by the American College of Radiology.
Saint Barnabas Medical Center and the Saint Barnabas Ambulatory Care
Center offer all three designs to provide patients and physicians with
the most accurate diagnostic exam with special attention to patient
comfort.
Both the MRA and MRCP are specific tests that utilize the MRI Unit.
The difference lies in the type of sequence that is used and the area
being examined.
visualizes the arteries or veins within the
body. It is less invasive than a conventional angiography exam and,
therefore, involves none of the customary inconveniences associated
with angiography such as a brief hospital stay, a catheter, or sedation.
MRA is frequently used as an alternative to angiography when indicated
by the patient’s physician.
is a non-invasive exam that visualizes
the common bile duct, biliary tree and pancreatic duct. It is currently
being used as a diagnostic alternative or as a preliminary step to
an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), that involves
the insertion of a flexible fiberoptic duodenoscope into the bile duct.
Due to the high magnetic field, MRI is not permitted for all patients.
Those who may not have an MRI include individuals with the following
medical equipment:
- pacemaker
- cochlear implant
- defibrillator
Other patients may need to wait a certain amount of time before an
MRI can be performed. The following procedures may require a waiting
time and special permission from your doctor:
- Greenfield filter
- cardiac stent
- bone stimulator
- breast tissue expander
- vagal nerve stimulators
If you have any of the above, please inform your physician. Contact
the Saint Barnabas MRI Department if you have any questions or concerns.
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