Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced modality which generates detailed images of the body. MRI utilizes a large magnet, advanced radio waves and a highly sophisticated computer to detect subtle differences between healthy and abnormal tissues. There is no exposure to X-ray or any other type of radiation.

Magnet Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a detailed examination and analysis of the vascular and major vessels.

At WESTIMAGE you will find that both scanners are closed scanners. They are the 1.5 and the 3.0 Tesla. There are other scanners known as open scanners. From advertisement it appears to the patient that this is the best way for a simple and easy scan. But these scanners do not give the quality pictures that the closed scanners can give. There are 2 types of open MRI scanners. The ones ranging from 0.23 to 0.3 Tesla field strength are admittedly low-field. The open scanner many physicians refer to as “high-field” has a Tesla rating of only 0.7! However, when compared to the capabilities of closed MRIs, all open scanners are low-field units. This is because the images produced by the open scanners are not as clear – and a meticulous surgeon needs the best possible view of the pathology.

Here is an example of MRI field strength: The more light, the more you see. It’s hard to read by the light of a 25-watt bulb. But a 150-watt bulb lets you read even the smallest print. With the MRI scanner, the strength of the magnetic field is like the brightness of a light – the more that can be seen, the more accurate the diagnosis. Low-field (open) MRIs simply do not have the strength and resolution of today’s technology.