Is There An Open Mri What Patients Should Know?

Yes, open MRI machines exist and are widely available across the United States. An open MRI is a magnetic resonance imaging scanner designed with more space around the patient than a traditional closed MRI tube. These machines were developed to help people who feel claustrophobic, weigh more than standard scanner limits, or have difficulty lying still in a tight space. The trade-off is that open MRI machines often produce lower-resolution images than newer closed scanners, which can affect diagnostic accuracy for certain conditions.

How Does an Open MRI Differ From a Traditional MRI?

A traditional MRI uses a cylindrical tube. You lie on a table that slides into the center of the machine. The magnet completely surrounds your body. The space between you and the machine walls is often only a few inches.

An open MRI uses a different magnet design. Instead of a full tube, the magnet sits above and below you, or in some models, in a C-shaped configuration around you. This leaves the sides of the machine open. You can see out into the room. A caregiver or family member can often sit beside you during the scan.

Some machines called “wide-bore” MRI scanners are technically closed but have a wider opening. They are not the same as open MRI machines. Wide-bore scanners still surround you completely, but the opening is larger — typically around 70 centimeters compared to the standard 60 centimeters. Many patients who feel tight in a standard tube find a wide-bore scanner more comfortable, but it is not truly open.

What Are the Main Types of Open MRI Machines?

There are two main designs of open MRI scanners. The first uses a low-field magnet, typically 0.2 to 0.3 Tesla. Tesla measures magnetic field strength. Standard closed MRI machines operate at 1.5 or 3.0 Tesla. The second design uses a high-field open system, usually 1.0 to 1.2 Tesla, which produces better images than low-field systems.

Low-field open MRI machines have been available since the 1990s. They are quieter and less expensive to operate. However, the image quality is noticeably lower than standard closed MRI machines. This matters for imaging small structures like the brain, spinal cord, or internal organs.

High-field open MRI machines are newer. They provide image quality closer to traditional closed scanners. However, they are less common. Not every imaging center has one. You may need to travel farther to find a facility with a high-field open system.

Who Should Consider an Open MRI?

Open MRI is primarily for people who cannot tolerate a closed machine. The most common reason is claustrophobia. Studies suggest that between 1 and 15 percent of patients experience significant anxiety during a closed MRI. Some of these patients cannot complete the scan at all.

People with larger body sizes also benefit from open MRI. Standard closed MRI machines have weight limits, often around 350 pounds depending on the model. Open MRI machines generally have higher weight limits, sometimes up to 550 pounds. The wider opening also accommodates larger shoulder width and abdominal circumference.

Certain medical conditions make lying flat difficult. Patients with severe scoliosis, kyphosis, or chronic pain may find the open design more comfortable. Pregnant women in the second and third trimester often prefer open MRI because lying flat on the back can be uncomfortable and can compress a major blood vessel.

Children who cannot stay still may also benefit. Some facilities allow a parent to sit at the child’s side during an open MRI, which reduces anxiety and the need for sedation.

What Are the Limitations of Open MRI?

Image quality is the main limitation. Low-field open MRI machines produce images with lower resolution and more background noise. This makes it harder to detect subtle abnormalities. For some conditions, the difference matters.

For example, imaging the brain for multiple sclerosis lesions, evaluating torn ligaments in the knee, or examining the prostate gland requires fine detail. A low-field open MRI may miss small findings that a standard 1.5 or 3.0 Tesla machine would clearly show.

Some exams simply cannot be done well on low-field open machines. Breast MRI, cardiac MRI, and magnetic resonance angiography of the brain require high-field strength. If your doctor orders one of these exams, you will likely need a closed or high-field open machine.

Scan time is also longer on low-field open MRI. A typical closed MRI scan takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on the body part. A low-field open MRI can take 45 to 60 minutes or longer for the same exam. Lying still for that long is difficult, and movement ruins image quality.

Is There An Open MRI What Patients Should Know About Image Quality?

This is the most important question to ask before scheduling an open MRI. The strength of the magnet directly determines image quality. A 0.3 Tesla open MRI is not equivalent to a 1.5 Tesla closed MRI. No amount of software processing fully closes that gap.

That does not mean open MRI is useless. For many routine exams — such as basic knee, shoulder, or lumbar spine imaging — a low-field open MRI often provides enough diagnostic information. Radiologists read these images every day and make accurate diagnoses.

The problem arises when the clinical question requires fine detail. If your doctor is looking for a small acoustic neuroma in the ear canal, a subtle stress fracture in the foot, or early cartilage damage in the hip, low-field open MRI may not be adequate.

Ask your doctor directly: “Will an open MRI give you enough detail to answer the clinical question?” If the answer is uncertain, consider a high-field open MRI or a wide-bore closed scanner instead.

How Much Does an Open MRI Cost?

Cost varies widely by region and facility. Generally, open MRI is priced similarly to closed MRI, though low-field open exams may be slightly cheaper. High-field open MRI may cost more.

Medicare and most private insurance plans cover MRI when medically necessary. They do not usually charge differently based on the type of scanner. However, if your doctor orders a closed MRI and you request an open one, insurance may not cover the difference unless there is a documented medical need such as claustrophobia or obesity.

Before scheduling, call the imaging center and ask for a price estimate. Ask whether the facility uses a low-field or high-field open machine. Ask what Tesla strength it operates at. This information helps you make an informed decision.

Are There Alternatives to Open MRI for Claustrophobic Patients?

Yes. Several options exist before resorting to an open MRI.

Oral anti-anxiety medication is the most common approach. Your doctor can prescribe a short-acting benzodiazepine such as lorazepam or diazepam. You take it about 30 to 60 minutes before the scan. You will need someone to drive you home because the medication causes drowsiness.

Wide-bore closed MRI is another option. These machines offer more room than standard closed scanners while maintaining full image quality. Many patients who panic in a standard tube tolerate a wide-bore machine without medication.

Some facilities offer “mock scanners” or practice sessions. You lie in a non-functional replica of the machine to get used to the feeling. This helps some patients reduce anxiety before the real scan.

Closed MRI with a mirror or prism system lets you see out of the tube. You can watch the room or a family member during the scan. Some facilities play music or provide video goggles.

Sedation under the supervision of an anesthesiologist is available for severe cases. This is more expensive and carries additional risk, but it guarantees the scan can be completed.

What Should You Ask Before Booking an Open MRI?

Ask the imaging center these specific questions before you schedule:

• What Tesla strength is your open MRI machine?
• Is it a low-field or high-field system?
• How long will my specific exam take?
• Will the images be reviewed by a board-certified radiologist?
• Does my insurance cover this specific machine?
• Do you have a wide-bore closed MRI as an alternative?

These questions matter because not all open MRI machines are equal. A 1.2 Tesla open system is substantially better than a 0.3 Tesla system. You deserve to know what you are getting before you pay and before you lie still for an hour.