July 26, 2011 — high-field open MRI scanner generates clear, high-resolution images without subjecting patients to the confinement, heat and noise of a traditional, closed scanner. The 1.2-tesla machine is the first of its kind in Northern Ohio, and the only high-field open MRI scanner between Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Cleveland. It is located at Mercy Diagnostic Center's Elyria office at 1900 West River Road North.

In addition to state-of-the-art imaging, Mercy's open MRI offers patients a more pleasant screening experience. During the procedure, the person lies on a wide, comfortable table with unobstructed views to the left and right and can interact freely with the technologist, friends and family members.

The machine's open design eliminates the need for sedation of claustrophobic or anxious patients and those who cannot tolerate loud noises.

Open scanning is also more effective for people who need extra help during the procedure such as children and those with weakness or paralysis. In addition, Mercy's scanner accommodates larger patients (up to 650 pounds) who may not fit in closed scanners.

Dhruv Patel, M.D., neurologist and medical director of Mercy Stroke Center, says his patients are more likely to go through with a recommended MRI if they know that the machine will be an open one.

"If the patient is claustrophobic, and the physician still orders a closed MRI thinking that's a better resolution, the patient may become non compliant," Dr. Patel says. "They won't go. But if we explain to patients that this an open MRI, we can be quite sure they will go and get their studies done."

MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of hard and soft tissues inside the body. Unlike X-rays, which work best on hard tissues like bone, MRI creates clear pictures of both hard and soft tissues. The scans are used to study the brain, spine, heart, joints and tumors.

While the MRI is painless, getting scanned in a traditional, closed machine can be an uncomfortable experience. During the procedure, which lasts anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes, the patient must lie extremely still inside a hot, noisy tunnel about two feet in diameter.

Open MRI scanners have been available for years but most models are not powerful enough for high-resolution studies. Thanks to recent advances in technology, new-generation open scanners like Mercy's create strong magnetic fields and have picture quality comparable to closed scanners.

"There used to be drawbacks because the open MRI machines they were making initially did not have the best resolution. But the scans from Mercy's high-field open MRI at Mercy Diagnostic Center are actually almost similar to those of a closed MRI. We are getting excellent images," says Dr. Patel.

The certified technologists and radiologists of Mercy Diagnostic Center have been performing and reading MRI scans in Lorain County for 20 years. They use fast-scanning techniques and state-of-the-art technology to minimize exam time while producing high-quality studies that rarely require rescans.

MRI appointments at Mercy Diagnostic Center are generally available within 24 hours of insurance approval. Evening and weekend appointments are available. Referring physicians usually receive results within 24 hours of the exam. To schedule an appointment, call 440-324-3226.

Mercy is a full-service, not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system, which has been providing quality health care to Lorain County and surrounding communities for more than 100 years. The health system provides inpatient, outpatient and ancillary services through its two hospitals, in Lorain and Mercy Allen Hospital in Oberlin; physician offices; and specialized facilities, including the , , Mercy Diagnostic Centers and . Mercy has been named one of Northeast Ohio's Best Places to Work by Northcoast 99 two years in a row, and its hospitals rank among the best in quality in the region, according to Ohio Hospital Compare.

Mercy is a member of Catholic Health Partners, the largest health system in Ohio and one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the U.S., which has been named one of the nation's Top 10 Health Systems two years in a row by Thomas Reuters, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the quality and cost of health care.