3T (Tesla) MRI

What is an MRI?

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a noninvasive test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create images of the body without using radiation. This type of exam allows excellent characterization of the soft tissue and has applications in evaluating the brain, spinal cord, blood vessels, bones, joints, pelvis and organs of the body.

We are pleased to announce that the new Siemens MAGNETOM Lumina 3T (Tesla) Open Bore MRI is now available at Open Imaging of Longview. This state-of-the-art MRI is twice as powerful as a standard 1.5 MRI and offers various unique features that benefit patients, radiologists, and technologists all while providing excellent image quality. Enhanced software enables faster scan times and faster patient positioning. In addition, enhanced motion correction compensates for patient movement which reduces the need to repeat scans. The Lumina has a 70 cm open bore and a table that lowers closer to the floor, which enables us to easily accommodate claustrophobic and larger patients.

Preparing for your exam

PATIENTS WITH CEREBRAL CLIPS AND PACEMAKERS CANNOT HAVE AN MRI, WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS

If you have any of the following, please inform the front desk staff and technologist performing your exam:

Implanted defibrillator or pacing device
Cochlear implants
Aneurysm clips within the brain
Spinal cord or deep brain stimulators

Other metallic devices are potential hazards. Please inform the front desk staff and technologist performing your exam if you have any of the following items:

Heart valves
Infusion ports and catheters
Insulin pumps
Vascular stents
Electrodes
Artificial limbs or joint implants
Metal pins, screws, plates or surgical staples

You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothing and to change into a scrub top, scrub pants or gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, eye glasses, hearing aids, removable dental work and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the MRI images. Women should always inform the technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

For your health and safety, metal workers or others with a history of metal shrapnel in the eyes will require simple x-ray screening prior to entering the MRI scanner.