University of IOWA logo Obese or larger adults, because of their size or due to claustrophobia, usually find it difficult to go for an MRI scan. To overcome this disadvantage, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics have installed an advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system.

This latest installation apparently includes a larger and shorter opening or bore to accommodate claustrophobic or obese patients as well. The Siemens Medical Solutions MAGNETOM Espree is apparently said to be the first high-performance 1.5 Telsa Open Bore MRI, globally.

This MRI system evidently boasts of the capability to capture high-quality diagnostic images. Wendy R. K. Smoker, M.D., UI professor of radiology and co-director of MRI, says, “This technology increases our efficiency and patient convenience. It also makes innovative medical imaging technology used for detection, diagnosis and treatment planning of cancer, diabetes, heart and vascular disorders, and other diseases available to more patients.”

It’s estimated that around two-third of the American population are over-weight. Thus evidently the health care industry is faced with the challenge to provide these larger adults with imaging systems that were previously designed for non-obese people.

It’s stated that earlier on, obese people had to get their imaging studied in open MRI systems. These systems are said to have low-field magnets and limited diagnostic abilities. Apparently field strength of a magnet is measured in Telsa units. It’s believed that the higher the number of Telsa, the higher the field strength. Thus in turn they produce images that are of superior diagnostic quality.

This latest device may prove to be very beneficial for screening claustrophobic patients as well. These patients apparently usually require sedation. This in turn takes up more time and adds to their inconvenience to perform an MRI. This is where the open bore design of the Siemens MAGNETOM Espree scanner steps in. This system’s opening in diameter is around 2.3 feet, and evidently has almost one foot of free space between a patient’s head and magnet.

It’s even stated that the Espree apparently features the shortest bore of the 1.5 Telsa magnets presently available. Evidently this magnet, for most of the tests, permits the patient’s head to be outside the bore, which in turn rules out the chances of claustrophobia or anxiety in people.

The MAGNETOM Espree evidently gives superior patient comfort, high-quality images, and diagnostic confidence for different types of patients.