An open tomograph is a modern development that greatly simplifies the procedure, especially for children and those people who are panicky afraid of being in an enclosed space. On the apparatus, you can conduct both a contrast study and an examination of all organs and systems, as is done on a traditional closed-type tomograph.
For example, in the United States, more than half of all devices are made up of open-type magnetic resonance tomographs. Often there you can find devices for MRI of two types at the same time in one medical facility. Consider the features of such a tomograph, its characteristics and advantages.
What is open-type MRI
A traditional MRI machine looks like a closed camera for scanning. The dimensions of the internal space are strictly limited. A certain magnetic field is created in the chamber, with the help of which the visualization of human organs takes place. But such an examination method is not suitable for everyone.
For example, patients who suffer from claustrophobia, or small children simply cannot be in a confined space for a certain time. Also, people with large body mass do not fit in the size of the camera apparatus. For them, open-type tomographs can be used, which perform exactly the same functions as a traditional apparatus.
In such devices there is no closed chamber. The patient is simply placed in a separate room where a magnetic field is created and scanning takes place. In addition, at the time of the study, which can last up to 40 minutes, a medical worker is present with the person or, if necessary, a relative of the patient. This, according to reviews, is very convenient for the patient.
An open view of MRI was originally invented for veterinary purposes, since the animal cannot be voluntarily placed in the tube and made to lie there calmly. At the moment, such devices are actively used in modern medical centers, but so far relate to devices of the younger generation. Each year, their functionality is supplemented with new options.
Type of tomograph: open or closed - what is the difference
There are practically no differences in the principle of operation between a traditional device and an MRI device for a “new generation”. The only difference is that in a closed tomograph, the magnetic field is 4-sided, in the open - only on two sides (above and below), but this in no way affects the quality of MRI.
The only visible difference is the comfort of the examination. Due to the fact that a person is not in an enclosed space, but in a spacious room, the study is much calmer for him. And you can get an accurate and reliable diagnosis without sedatives.
Also, in addition to children and people suffering from claustrophobia, or people with a large body weight, a study on an open type tomograph in patients with fractures of the extremities is comfortable. For example, with a fracture of the shoulder, the arm is gypsum in the elevated position, so it is not possible to make an MRI for such a patient in a closed device.
Thanks to the latest developments, every person has the opportunity to undergo an MRI scan, regardless of fear, complexion, age or mental state. However, this will not affect the quality of the diagnosis. The information content and reliability of the two types of devices are almost the same, users note in the reviews.
Some patients ask which is better. There is no definite answer, since it all depends on how comfortable a person feels when passing this or that examination.
The advantages of MRI on open devices: list
Tomographs of the “new generation” allow examining patients of certain groups. They also include seriously ill or resuscitation patients, who, during the passage of MRI, are more comfortable and more comfortable doing manipulations and injections. It is also convenient to examine patients who, due to injuries received, cannot or are not allowed to lie. For example, only on an open-type tomograph, MRI of the spine is possible.
The advantages of open devices include:
- A high level of comfort (during the passage of MRI by children, mom can not only be in the room, but also hold the child by the handle).
- A low noise level that does not increase psychological stress (according to the feedback of those users who went through the procedure, this is an important factor).
- The ability to undergo MRI for obese people, people with disabilities or patients with fractures of varying severity.
- Convenience of manipulations and injections, since access to the body is open.
- You can have an MRI scan both lying down and in a sitting or standing position.
disadvantages
Despite the large number of advantages, open-type tomographs also have disadvantages. This is primarily due to the low voltage of the magnetic field, since it is impossible to achieve high performance in open space. This affects the quality of pictures. On devices of a closed type, they turn out to be better and clearer.
Cons of open type devices:
- it is impossible to visualize small parts of organs;
- vascular examination is difficult;
- there is no way to examine mobile organs (heart, lungs);
- a longer procedure, during which it is worth maintaining maximum calm and not moving;
- the inability to determine the nature of the tumor (benign or malignant).
How is the survey
In general, the study is carried out in several stages. First comes the preparation and conversation with the doctor. It is important to immediately remove all metal objects and jewelry, which can not only distort the results, but also harm the patient’s health immediately before undergoing an MRI.
When an MRI scan is performed on an open type tomograph in Moscow, a person receives the images on the same day, but the specialist will need a couple more days to decrypt them. Often used contrast material, which makes the results more accurate and does not pose a threat to human health. It is not used in pregnant women and nursing mothers.
During the study, the person is in the position in which he is most comfortable, but it is important to remain calm and not move. The procedure can take up to 40 minutes, with a contrast of up to an hour. If the noise is too high, although with open devices it is completely insignificant, the patient may be asked to wear special headphones.
The best open-type tomographs
They are of high quality and are popular with open-type devices from companies such as Hitachi, Siemens, GE, Wandong and Medonica. Tomographs of these manufacturers are universal, convenient and are often used in pediatrics.
Overview of open-type MRI devices:
1. Hitachi Aperto 0.4T.
The tomograph is distinguished by a powerful permanent magnet, it effectively collects data, visualizes images and fluoroscopy. The cost of the device is 19 million rubles.
2. Siemens Magnetom C! 0.35T.
High quality diagnostics, which allows the device to be used in neurology, orthopedics, angiography, pediatrics, oncology and cardiology. There are optimized programs for all standard examinations from head to toes. It is characterized by ease of use, high performance and low operating costs. Price - 14.8 million rubles.
3. GE Signa Ovation 0.35T.
It features a beautiful design and good visualization of the organs of the central nervous system, limbs and cardiovascular system. Cost - 9.7 million rubles.
4. Wandong i_Open 0.36T.
A small and compact device that does not consume much electricity. It does not require expensive repairs, periodic preventive maintenance and downtime. In addition, its installation requires minimal space.
5. Medonica MAGVUE 0.33T.
It does not require operating costs, produces a high-quality image, takes up little space in the room due to the small size, is of high quality and efficient work process.
Conclusion
An open-type tomograph is an apparatus of the “new generation”, which is becoming increasingly popular in the Russian Federation. It’s hard to overestimate its merits, since the passage of an MRI scan on it is much more comfortable than in traditional closed tomographs. In addition, the quality of the open look is also not inferior. The only difference can only be in the price of the survey. On an open device, it is slightly higher than MRI on a closed-type tomograph.