Components of an MRI Scanner

Since the commencement of the first commercial MRI units, MRI scanners have undergone considerable evolution both regarding efficiency and hardware upgrades. Incredibly, most people cannot fully tell the different parts of an MRI scanner. This article will help you understand the various components of the device, and explain the functions of each part.

An MRI scanner has the following essential parts:

• Magnet
• Gradient Coil
• Shim Coil
• RF Detector
• Computer

Magnet

Arguably, this is the most important and expensive part of the machine. The device can be equipped with three different kinds of magnets namely; superconducting, resistive, and permanent magnets. Each of these has its pros and cons. However, most of the MRI scanners in the market utilize the superconducting magnet. Magnets are used to produce stable magnetic fields necessary for image capture in the MRI.

Gradient Coil

Within the magnet assembly, you will find gradient coils used to generate different gradients during the imaging process. In a resting state, the MRI's magnetic fields are uniform and consistent over the patient's body region to be scanned. During the imaging, however, the magnetic fields have to be distorted with varying gradients. A gradient can be described as a change in the strength of magnetic field from a point to the other within the patient's body.

Shimming Coils

An MRI scanner has different parts that tend to interfere with the uniform magnetic fields required. These materials result in distorted magnetic fields that need to be made homogeneous. A shim coil is used to streamline the distorted magnetic fields and help in producing a clear and visible image.

RF Detector

RF detectors are located comparatively closer to the patient's body within the magnet assembly. The RF detector's function is to act as the antennae for transmitting signals from the tissue to the scanner, and vice versa to produce the image. The RF detector makes use of energy in the form of non-ionizing radiation.

Computer

An MRI scanner is a sophisticated system that utilizes numerous specific steps and sequences to produce a clear image. These sequences and steps are controlled by a digital computer that is an integral part of the scanner.

The Importance of Accurate Installation of MRI Equipment

Many medical facilities require a magnetic resonance imaging machine in order to diagnose injuries and health conditions. These diagnostic devices use field gradients, radio waves and strong magnetic fields to take images of the internal components of the body to see abnormalities that require emergency or long-term treatment. Close to 30,000 magnetic resonance imaging machines are located in hospitals, physician’s offices and clinics worldwide in order to provide fast diagnostics for patients. More facilities want to have magnetic resonance imaging machines to provide better care for patients, but specialized installation is necessary to ensure the devices are calibrated properly. 

Specialized Precautions during Tests

Most patients can undergo an examination with magnetic imaging resonance safely, but there are exceptions, including:

• Having metallic objects in one or both eyes
• Shrapnel in the body
• Cardiac pacemakers
• Cochlear implants
• Metallic rods in bones

Reasons for Needing This Diagnostic Test

There are excellent reasons for a physician to request a magnetic resonance image for a patient, including:

• Neurological problems – diagnosing epilepsy or dementia
• Cardiovascular conditions – viewing heart and blood vessel abnormalities
• Musculoskeletal – joint, spinal or bone disorders
• Gastrointestinal – viewing tumors or disease conditions
• Oncology – diagnosing cancerous conditions
• Congenital defects – viewing the congenital defects of fetuses 

Magnetic resonance imaging is used to view organs and structures inside the human body, and it is used alone or in combination with other diagnostics such as ultrasound or X-rays. The images are collected and sent automatically to computer screens to diagnose a condition immediately for emergency intervention or continual treatment with medications. The accurate installation of magnetic resonance imaging machines is essential to ensure the devices can collect information accurately without causing an injury to a patient. 

Professional MRI Installation 

At least two technicians work together to move and install the equipment after the site is prepared. During the installation process, the technicians use a teslameter to measure the accuracy of the magnetic resonance imaging machine. The magnets inside this medical device can attract nearby metallic objects, creating dangerous situations when certain precautions are not used, including danger labeling. 

Choosing Between An Open Or Closed MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a noninvasive way for a physician to see what is going on inside a patient's body. An MRI uses radio waves and a powerful magnetic field to create cross-sectioned images of tissues, organs, and the skeletal system. Unlike CT scans and X-rays, no harmful radiation is utilized, which is better for the patient and the technicians involved. MRIs are used to detect abnormalities in the spine, head, eye, and inner ear. They can also be useful in showing if a person has had a stroke or is susceptible for developing heart problems. 

Traditionally, a 'closed' MRI machine is used, which can cause even the bravest patient to experience claustrophobia. For the test, the patient has to lay down in a tube-shaped device that is 24-28' across. Even if they are given headphones to listen to soothing music and/or a sedative medication like Valium, many people report having panic attacks or being unable to complete the test. Closed MRIs typically take less time to finish the scan, and, in some cases, produce more detailed images for the doctor to evaluate. For an MRI to work properly, the patient must stay very still, which can be a tall order to fulfill if you are feeling claustrophobic. Closed MRIs can be uncomfortable for larger patients as well.

Open MRI machines, like the name indicates, do not enclose the patient in a tube like the closed MRIs do. There is a separate top and bottom magnetic area; the open space in between often alleviates anxiety for claustrophobic patients or patients who are experiencing severe pain in certain areas. For situations that call for an extremity to be scanned, like a patient's wrist, hand, shoulder, or foot, open MRIs can center the subject better. Open MRIs are more convenient for older patients and children, because they allow for a caretaker to be present to comfort the patient. Contrary to what some people think, open MRIs use magnetic imaging that is just as powerful as closed MRIs.

Know About The Most Common MRI Failures

Equipment can break down without warning and give you a nightmare. Medical equipment should give a doctor near certainty efficiency as its breakdown could be tragic. However, repairs are inevitable in almost all machinery, including medical equipment. A fast and reliable repair service can give a doctor easy time even when the most important tools of work break, such as an MRI. MRI repair needs to be conducted by trusted professionals who have utmost know-how about this vital machine.

MRI repair can be necessitated if the following instances are noticed:

Low helium levels

Failure in the cooling system can result in accelerated burning of helium to keep pace with the magnet needs of the MRI. Furthermore, poor monitoring can lead to unnoticed low helium levels that require immediate action. You should plan a refill immediately to avoid tragedy. Negligence is highly costly, which should make you have a constant monitoring schedule to avoid the same mistake from occurring again.

Unprecedented power outages

An MRI can experience a glitch after a major power outage in your area. This could include boot-up issues and system shut downs. When this happens, you can reset the breakers in the area of the house your MRI is housed. You can also reset your system completely, and if the problem persists, seek professional services.

Image artifacts

Graininess and lines appearing in the images can be an indicator of wear and tear of the coils being used alongside the MRI. Damage to the coils is also highly probable when there are image artifacts. MRI coils can be repaired with relative ease and are not costly either.

 
Temperature errors

When the water circulating through your MRI's system is not well cooled-off, there is a possibility your machine will lock-up and cancel scanning until the system detects the allowed temperature levels. A broken HVAC system can cause this particular problem, or your MRI breakers could not be functioning well. You should probably contact your service provider to have a look at the equipment.

Order a High-Quality Magnetic Resonance Imaging Machine

If you have a medical facility such as a hospital, physician’s office or clinic, then having a magnetic resonance imaging machine installed is often necessary. These fine-tuned machines require specialized care during the installation process to ensure the device is fully functional and undamaged. An MRI machine is required to diagnose injuries and disease with radio waves and magnetic fields. Physicians use MRI equipment for these purposes:

• Diagnosis of disease, abnormalities and injuries
• Determining the stage of a disease
• Follow-ups after treatments and surgeries 

The Importance of MRI Equipment in Medical Facilities 

Imaging with magnetic resonance equipment is especially important for diagnosing tumors and staging the growths before and after medical treatments. It is also a valuable tool for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular problems because the images show the contrasts between dark and lightly colored body structures. An MRI machine can take hundreds of images in a short amount of time, making it easier for physicians to see the problems occurring inside a patient’s body. 

Body Parts that are Viewable with MRI Scans

A physician or surgeon can request MRI images to view:

• Musculoskeletal systems – joints and the spine
• Cardiovascular – veins and heart
• Gastrointestinal – bile ducts, gallbladder or intestinal tract
• Brain – injuries or shrinkage

Choose a Flexible Service Plan for Your MRI Equipment

In the past, patients had to enter a narrow tube while reclining to have MRI diagnostics completed. Fortunately, there are now open MRI machines that expert technicians can install at medical facilities. These devices make the procedure more comfortable for patients who feel anxious about being in a small space. The installation of MRI equipment is fast, accurate and cost-effective with the right company. After installation of an MRI machine, the technicians test the equipment to ensure it is working correctly. Customers can choose flexible service plans to have MRI equipment repaired periodically with parts that are available at local warehouses across the United States.