Open MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Our open MRI scanners, located in our Pillsbury and Epsom offices, are the most technologically advanced high-field, open MRI scanners currently available in New Hampshire and northern New England. Our GE OpenSpeed MRI machine combines high magnetic field strength with a patient-friendly open design.

Traditional MRI units typically have a small, “tunnel-like” opening that allows for high-field strength. The field strength refers to the power of the magnet. MRI machines use a magnetic field to make pictures of the body. Higher field strength results in better picture quality and shorter exam time.

Because the traditional high-field MRI units have such a small opening, many young patients and those who are claustrophobic, large-framed or obese have had difficulty completing their exams due to discomfort. Open MRI units became popular by introducing an oversized opening. However, the sacrifice for patient comfort was image quality; until now, to use a larger opening, the field strength of the magnet had to be markedly reduced, which created longer scan time and lower quality images.

Our high-field open MRI units offer patients and physicians the best of both worlds — high-field strength with a wide opening designed for patient comfort.

This technology offers the strongest and fastest open MRI gradients, allowing for faster imaging and better pictures of small body parts.