Back in the day, all MRIs were long, dark and uninviting. Patients entered a confining, deep tunnel for the procedure, which proved uncomfortable for some patients, and impossible for those with claustrophobia. And let’s face it, no one wanted to have his or her child—or elderly relative-- experience that type of MRI exam. When Open MRI system hit the market, the number of potential MRI patients grew tremendously. In addition, to the new appeal of an open environment, many Open MRI systems were easier to site and less expensive than their high field counterparts. In addition because Open MRI systems did not use cryogens, their service contracts were also lower than high field MRI systems.
Until 2004, physicians who required high field strength MRI studies still had to use superconducting high field MRI systems with a long bore design. Through the years, the magnets were able to become more compact, but they were still longer than patients would like. The problem was that an Open MRI whether permanent or resistive, couldn’t accomplish the high field imaging of a superconducting magnet. Then Siemens introduced the first 70 cm “Wide Bore”—the 1.5 Espree. The new “Wide” designation also provided a “Short” superconducting high field magnet which was only 125 cm. This system changed the high field world of 150cm to 175cm-length magnets. It was now possible to deliver a more comfortable imaging environment for all MRI studies which referring physicians demanded. With a table weight maximum of 550 pounds, the Espree also made it easier to access patients with larger girth.
Other manufacturers also soon offered Wide-Open high field MRI systems in addition to their other systems that are now shorter, but not “Wide-Open”. In this mix there are also a wide variety of MRI systems for extremity imaging. As well as low field MRI specialty systems.
Here is a list of available pre-owned MRIs available from the experts at Atlantis Worldwide. Some which are listed as new may only be available from the manufacturer at this time. The ones which are pre-owned, are fully refurbished and ready to go to work for you.
“Low Field Open MRI” (below 0.3T)
- Pre-owned Esaote Artoscan Extremity (0.2T)
- Pre-owned Esaote C-Scan Extremity (0.2T)
- New and pre-owned Esaote MRI S- Scan Extremity (0.2T)
- New and pre-owned Esaote MRI O-Scan (0.31T-Extremity)
- New Esaote MRI G-Scan Brio (0.2T-Extremity)
- New and pre-owned Esaote (and Hologic) MRI E-Scan (0.2T-Extremity+)
- New and pre-owned Esaote MRI S-Scan (0.25T)
- Pre-owned GE Profile (0.2T)
- Pre-owned Siemens Concerto (0.2T)
- Pre-owned Philips/Picker Outlook (0.23T)
- Pre-owned Philips Panorama (0.23T)
- Pre-owned Hitachi MRP 5000 (0.2T)
“Mid Field Open” (3.0T to 1.0T)
- Pre-owned Hitachi Airis (0.3T)
- Pre-owned Hitachi Airis II (0.3T)
- Pre-owned Hitachi Airis Elite (0.3T)
- Pre-owned Hitachi MRP 7000 (0.3T)
- Pre-owned and new GE OpenSpeed (0.7T)
- Pre-owned and new GE Ovation (0.35T)
- New and Pre-owned GE Optima MR430s (1.5T-Extremity)
- Pre-owned Siemens Magnetom C (0.35T)
- Pre-owned Toshiba Opart / Ultra (0.35T)
- Pre-owned Philips Panorama (0.6T)
- New and Pre-owned Fonar Upright MRI (0.6T)
- Pre-owned Hitachi Altaire (0.7T)
- Pre-owned and new Philips Panorama (1.0T)
- Pre-owned ONI OrthOne (1.0T- Extremity)
- Pre-owned ONI MSK Extreme (1.0T-Extremity)
- Pre-owned ONI MSK Extreme (1.0T-Extremity)
“High Field Open” (1.0T and above)
- Philips Panorama HFO (1.0T)
- Hitachi Oasis (1.2T)
Superconducting 1.5T MRI systems with short bore length and wide patient opening can be called:
“High Field Open Bore MRI”
- Pre-owned and new Siemens Espree 70 cm open bore/ ultra short 125cm (1.5T)
- New GE Optima MR450w 70 cm bore (1.5T)
- New Toshiba Vantage Titan 71.0 cm bore/ 145.5cm length (1.5T)
- New Philips Ingenia 70cm Bore 1.5T
Superconducting 3.0T MRI systems with short bore length and wide patient opening can be called:
“3T Short Bore MRI”
- New and pre-owned Siemens Skra-70cm open bore/173 cm length (3.0T)
- Pre-owned and new Siemens Verio-70cm open bore/173 cm length (3.0T)
- Pre-owned and new GE Discovery MR750w 70cm bore (3.0T)
- Pre-owned and new Toshiba Vantage Titan -71cm UltraShort Open Bore (3.0T)
If your practice, clinic, hospital or facility is in the market for an Open MRI or a high field Short bore superconducting MRI, it’s easy to get the one you want, at a price that’s more affordable than you might think. By purchasing a used or refurbished MRI, you get the technology you want, as well as a great warranty and service policy, for a much lower cost. And while “new” is nice, you’ll find the savings is even more attractive. Contact Us Today for more information and pricing.
Some blogs you may have missed:
- MRI's - Top 5 Things to Consider Before Buying a MRI
- Your MRI and Cryogen Venting
- How Does an MRI Work?
- Used CT & MRI Trade-ins: Get a Bang for Your Buck!
- Free MRI Resources
Meet the author: Norm Tessell, FACHE
