1121 Lakeland Hills Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33805
Phone: 863-688-2334

Upright Open MRI has brought Magnetic Resonance Imaging to the next level. The Upright Open MRI is the only whole-body MRI with the ability to perform Position Imaging™. Patients can be scanned in a multitude of positions, including standing, sitting, flexion, extension, rotation and lateral bending, as well as the usual recumbent positions used in traditional MRI scanning. Patients can be scanned in upright, weight-bearing positions and their positions of symptoms or pain. These positions allow the radiologist to view pathology that may have been hidden in traditional imaging.

Imaging in the sitting or standing position allows the spine to be studied in its natural state. Did you know pathologic conditions, such as disc herniation and disc bulges are best seen while erect? The Upright Open MRI has excellent image quality. It is great for children, patients with a large frame, patients that are physically incapablable of lying down and those who are simply unable to tolerate other MRI scanners.

PREPARATION AND SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No preparatory tests, diets, or medications are usually needed when undergoing an exam in our Upright Open MRI. Our Upright Open MRI is equipped with a large flat screen television for viewing pleasure. If you wish, you may bring your favorite DVD.

The strong magnetic field used for MRI will exert force on any iron-based or ferromagnetic object. The MRI staff will ask whether you have a prosthetic device, implanted port, infusion catheter (brand names Port-o-cath, Infusaport, Lifeport), or any other implanted devices. Surgical staples, plates, pins and screws pose no risk during MRI. Tattoos, permanent eyeliner, metal zippers, and similar metallic items can distort the images, but pose no harm.

An X-ray may be acquired if you have ever had a bullet or shrapnel injury, or ever worked with metal.

Objects that will need to be removed before the MRI procedure includes:

• Jewelry
• Watches
• Hairpins
• Clothing containing metal zippers, belts, or buttons
• Removable dental work (non-removable dental work is fine, but may distort the images if scanning the facial or head area)
• Eyeglasses
• Hearing aides
• Neuro-stimulator (Tens-unit)

MRI should not be performed on most people with:

• Inner ear (cochlear) implants
• Brain aneurysm clips
• Some artificial heart valves
• Heart pacemaker
• If you might be pregnant, this should be mentioned to the technologist or radiologists

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Upright Open MRI eliminates claustrophobia. Nothing is in front of the face or directly overhead. The patient will be able to relax, read, and even watch T.V. while having an exam in the Upright Open MRI. The Upright Open MRI is very quiet, there is not any loud tapping noises like you may have experienced with prior MRI scanners.

The patient will need to remain still during the imaging process. When the exam is over the patient is asked to wait until the images are examined to determine if more images are needed.

Depending on the exam, a contrast material may be used to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. A small needle will be placed intravenously in the arm or hand. Contrast material is injected, about two-thirds of the way through the exam. The most common MR intravenous contrast agent, gadolinium, is very safe. Sequences performed with intravenous contrast may provide additional data for diagnosis.

After an MRI scan, you may resume normal diet, activity, and medication.

A radiologist experienced in MRI will analyze the images and send a report with his or her interpretation to the patient's personal physician within 24 hours or less.