Opinions on MRI's....

[cheesymum]

If - or I should say WHEN - I have another MRI, I have two options available to me.  The last 2 that I had were done at the facility most used around here.  It is on a 1.5T machine.  It's a closed machine.  The other option that I have is actually in another town (but very near by and covered by my insurance).  I just found it the other day.  This is a 3T machine but it's an OPEN MRI.  I have read that open MRI's aren't as good at detection as the closed ones but the 3T's pick up things the 1.5 ones miss.  So, in your (generally speaking) opinion / experience / expertise, would it be better to go with a closed 1.5T machine or an open 3T machine?  Throwing a little mud into the water, the last MRI I had was a cervical MRI in a closed machine and I barely made it through.  I am claustrophobic and it took everything in me not to throw up or pass out.  I want to do the 3T open for those two reasons - 3T detects more and it's open so it will be easier on me - but I also want to use the best machine available to me and I don't have the knowledge yet to know what that is.  So, help a newbie?  If it were up to you, what would you do?

[cheesymum]

Ren, thanks for your answer!  And, don't worry about confusing me.  That's all too easy to do these days.  I even confuse myself.  LOL  Now that you've mentioned it, I had read about the software being the key.  I have been told (by other folks) that the software at the 1.5T machine where I had my last two MRI's is "the latest and the greatest" but I don't know much about the 3T a town over.  Like I said, I just found it the other day.  I know it's brand new and, of course, their website also claims "a new level of excellence in imaging".  (Of course, they are going to say that.  Who would go to them if they say "a mediocre experience for all"???  LOL) but I don't know about their software.  Honestly, I don't even know what questions to ask to get intelligent and usable answers.  The machine is brand new so I'm assuming the software is start of the art as well but does start of the art equate to best?

Sorry, it's late and I'm babbling.  I really only meant to say thanks for your answer and nice to meet you.  I really should go to bed and not sleep now.  Thanks again!

[COBOB]

By the time you convert the effective magnetic field for an "open magnet" vs. a "closed bore"  (3T "open" is about 1.5-2.0T "closed",) is it really worth it?  Open machines are pretty good for joint imaging, but all "open" magnets have their issues with organ imaging.  Brain, spine and core should be done on "closed" bore magnets when available.  

The latest software, certified MRI technologists and neuroradiologists (along with your neurologist) reading your studies is the best bet (in my opinion.)  Not as much an issue on an "open magnet," but some of the 3.0T sequences (T2* Gradient Echo) are not the same as the 1.5T sequences (T2W Spin Echo,) so they loose the ability to compare studies.  That is my engineering perspective on it.

Bob

[Sidesteps]

Ack! I'm assuming "open" means that it is open for you to see out of while you are in it?

I had my MRI and CT studies on an 1.5 open machine. Sigh.

[cheesymum]

Thank you, Bob!  That's the kind of information I am seeking.  This is the stuff I don't know.  So, if you were me, you'd stick with the closed 1.5?  That makes me feel better that I didn't blow it last time.  Thanks so much!

Sidesteps, I googled "open versus closed" to see if I could find a comparison for ya.  This is one of the websites I found.

http://www.midwestopenimaging.com/SiteResources/Data/Templates/templated.asp?docid=862&DocName=MRI