Open MRI Enhances Patient Comfort

The open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system at Nevada Regional Medical Center is designed for patients who have difficulty tolerating exams in a conventional MRI system.

The spacious environment makes exams easier for larger patients who typically feel cramped in other systems, as well as people who are claustrophobic or suffer from anxiety in enclosed areas. Doctors estimate that more than 10 percent of all exams using traditional MRI systems are abandoned due to patient anxiety.

“This system is really the best of both worlds,” says Judy Feuquay, president and CEO at NRMC. “It provides excellent image quality for diagnosis while being an extremely comfortable system for patients. Patients have more space and the doctors receive more information.”

The open MRI has a wider patient opening than other scanners, measuring 4½ feet from side to side with 16 inches of headroom. Patients can see into the scan room during exams.

The MRI can perform a wide range of exams, including studies of the central nervous system, body, joints, extremities and cardiac and vascular anatomy.