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There
are various MRI unit designs.
The most commonly used are the following:
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.
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.
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. What
is the difference between an MRI, MRA and MRCP? 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. MRA
(MR Angiography)
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.
MRCP
(MR Cholangiopancreatography) 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. Are
there any restrictions regarding who can have an MRI? 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:
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:
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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Frequently
Asked Questions
What
is the difference between an open and closed MRI?
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