Differences Between a Wide Bore and Open MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that utilizes radio waves and high-powered magnets to produce detailed images of the body’s internal structures. A doctor may order an MRI scan for their patient to assess abnormalities or diagnose conditions that affect the organs, bones, soft tissues, and joints.
There are multiple types of MRI machines, with wide bore and open MRIs being among the most common. While these machines serve a similar purpose, there are notable differences between a wide bore and an open MRI. Understanding these distinctions can help both patients and providers make informed decisions before scheduling an MRI exam.
What is the Wide Bore MRI?
Introduced in 2004, a wide bore MRI boasts a larger opening compared to a conventional MRI machine. A traditional MRI machine only has a 60-centimeter opening, whereas a wide bore MRI features a 70-centimeter opening. Although the additional 10 centimeters may seem like a minuscule difference, the extra space can significantly alter a patient’s imaging experience.
For larger or claustrophobic patients, MRI scans can be intimidating and anxiety-inducing because of the narrow opening of the MRI; however, the larger opening of a wide bore MRI can alleviate feelings of claustrophobia and anxiety. A wide bore MRI also accommodates patients weighing up to 550 pounds, ensuring both accessibility and comfort for patients during MRI scans.
Besides providing a more comfortable imaging experience, a wide bore MRI also produces superior images by utilizing high-field MRI technology. The magnet strength of a wide bore MRI ranges from 1.5 to 3 Tesla (T), helping produce clearer and more accurate imaging in many clinical scenarios.
“The biggest advantage of the wide bore MRI is the image quality,” Chad Killeen, regional clinical specialist of Colorado, said. “The strength of the magnet is directly related to image quality. As the field strength of the magnet increases, so does the [signal-to-noise ratio.] A higher signal-to-noise ratio leads to clearer and more detailed images.”
Wide bore MRIs can also use revolutionary technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to decrease scan times and produce enhanced image clarity and construction quality. One of these technological advancements is the GE Healthcare AIR™ Recon DL (ARDL), a learning-based reconstruction algorithm that enables radiologists to achieve sharper images more quickly.
“With the AI technology that we are investing in, we have brought scan times down,” Killeen said. “A non-contrast brain scan in an open MRI will take 30 or 35 minutes. This same procedure can be done in one of our wide bore MRIs with the ARDL technology in under 12 minutes.”
Despite the benefits in image clarity and efficiency, wide bore MRIs do come with some limitations. Wide bore MRIs, like a traditional MRI machine, tend to be loud. Patients can expect to hear loud thumping or clicking noises as the magnets move around the machine, which may cause discomfort. Furthermore, patients with heightened sensitivity to enclosed spaces may find that the 70-centimeter opening is still too narrow for them.
Even so, the advantages of a wide bore MRI can’t be dismissed, as the image quality is often superior to that of many open MRI systems.
What is an Open MRI?
An open MRI is what it sounds like — it’s open on three sides, making it the largest and least-confining MRI machine. Younger patients, those with larger body types, or those who are claustrophobic may opt for an open MRI over a wide bore or traditional MRI because they prefer a more comfortable experience.
Patients undergoing an open MRI may also be less likely to require sedatives or anxiety-reducing medication, as the open structure can feel less intimidating than enclosed designs.
However, this emphasis on patient comfort comes with trade-offs. Because an open MRI prioritizes patient comfort, it produces lower image quality and takes longer to scan. An open MRI has a significantly lower magnetic field strength compared to a wide bore MRI, and this low magnetic field strength results in compromised image quality.
“The strength of an open MRI ranges from 0.2T to 1.0T,” Killeen said. “The image quality is not great and provides lower resolution images.”
Since most open MRIs use less than 0.5T, the MRI may struggle to distinguish between body fat and water. This decreased image quality can make it challenging for providers to receive an accurate and precise diagnosis for their patients.
“The biggest disadvantage of the open MRI is the image quality. We’re in the business where we want to have the best look at somebody’s body — whether it’s their meniscus, shoulder, or brain tissue,” Killeen said. “We want to have the clearest image, and you don’t get that with an open MRI.”
An open MRI can also lead to longer scan times, as the machine has a lower magnetic field and only two magnets, which means most MRI scans take longer to complete.
Is the Wide Bore MRI Better than an Open MRI?
MRI scans are crucial for providing physicians with a clear view inside the body, enabling them to diagnose various medical conditions. Determining which machine is “better” depends on the clinical context, the patient’s needs, and the specific body area being examined.
Nevertheless, the advantages of a wide bore MRI – including its potential for high-quality imaging and improved patient comfort – make it a strong option for many individuals. Most wide bore MRIs are at least one Tesla stronger than an open MRI; this higher magnet strength creates detailed images of the body and ensures that radiologists deliver accurate results to physicians. The image quality of an MRI scan is arguably the most important aspect of an MRI machine; with lower magnetic field strength comes lower image quality, and this may create inaccurate diagnoses.
Since the traditional and wide bore MRI offers advanced technology and increased magnetic field strength, some specialists may not feel confident or comfortable performing surgery on a patient who has been scanned with an open MRI machine.
“A lot of orthopedic and neurosurgeons require a 3T scan. They want to make sure that when they are opening someone up, they know exactly what they are getting into,” Killeen said. “The image quality of an open MRI for a patient with a tumor in their brain might not be as clear, and the doctor may not see what brain tissue matter they are getting into when they open the patient up.”
In terms of patient comfort, both the wide bore and open MRI provide a more comfortable imaging experience than a traditional MRI machine. However, some patients may find that a wide bore MRI is still too narrow for them. If this is the case, the patient’s radiologist will help ensure they feel comfortable and safe throughout their scan.
“There are many options available now for claustrophobic patients,” Killeen said. “There are techniques we can use, even before giving patients sedation, to help lower their anxiety.”
Patients concerned about their scan can take steps to help calm their nerves, such as viewing the MRI machine before their appointment, wearing comfortable clothing, requesting earplugs to block out the noise, trying relaxation techniques during the scan, and, if needed, taking anti-anxiety medication or a sedative.
The Envision Radiology Difference
When patients choose an Envision Radiology center for their imaging needs, they can always expect a world-class experience. Every Envision Radiology center features advanced technology and exceptional patient care, ensuring patients receive accurate and timely imaging results.
“Providers should choose us for their patients’ scans because we provide better image quality. One of our big things is to provide unmistakable quality, and you will get mistakable quality with an open MRI,” Killeen said. “Providers know Envision Radiology offers the best technology to provide the highest image quality they need to diagnose their patients.”
Envision Radiology offers wide bore MRIs at many of our centers across the nation. We invite you to schedule an appointment with us and experience the Envision Radiology difference today.
