An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a great diagnostic tool that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body. There isn’t any radiation involved, and there are no known side effects.

However, some patients who become uncomfortable in confined spaces may find themselves becoming a little anxious about a traditional, closed MRI. These MRI systems typically have a narrow opening, and sometimes the patient has to lie very still for extended periods of time in order to capture all of the needed images.

Wide Open Spaces

The Christ Hospital Imaging Center offers a solution to not only take away the feelings of claustrophobia, but also to make the test a little more enjoyable. The Philips Ambient Experience™ in our 1.0 Open MRI suite gives patients more control of their environment by allowing them to create a personalized, soothing space. Patients can change the color of the room, bring in their own music to enjoy, or choose from a variety of themed-scenes that can be projected on the wall. Themes range from an hour-long trip to Europe to deep sea diving and is a great way to pass the time!

And there are no worries about narrow openings here. Our open MRI is more than five feet wide at the opening, so the patient can have a clear view of the room at all times. It’s not just ideal for those who don’t like cramped spaces. People with sports injuries, the elderly and those of larger stature can also benefit from the open design.

In addition to added comfort, the wider opening sacrifices nothing in terms of image quality. In fact, the open MRI system at The Christ Hospital Imaging Center is comparable to most closed systems, and it includes special technology that allows the MRI to take images in the same place, even if the patient has the scan performed weeks or months apart. That’s a big help when trying to compare progress over time.

In addition to open MRI, The Christ Hospital Imaging Center also offers 64-slice CT scans, ultrasound, digital mammography, DEXA or bone density scan and digital X-ray. Hours of operation include Monday—Friday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. To schedule your mammogram or physician-prescribed test, please call 513-585-2668.