Open MRI examination of all areas of the body

The open MRI is as suitable as the conventional tunnel system for the image representation of almost all organs and tissues of the body. It can supplement other diagnosis methods, such as the conventional x-ray but also replaces previously invasive methods (e.g. cardiac catheter). If different tissues are unable to be readily defined, special, well-tolerated contrast agents are available, which enable a more comprehensive evaluation.

MRI is the chosen diagnostic method particularly for brain and spinal cord diseases, for example multiple sclerosis, strokes, tumours or inflammations but also childhood brain damage and defects.

MRI is also suitable for the accurate representation of the internal organs (except the lungs). Centres of inflammation, tumours, metastases and other changes in the organs can be recognised.

Furthermore, the open unit structure provides new examination possibilities, e.g. the performance of image-guided back pain therapy is made easier, by which a needle, controlled very precisely by the MRI, is inserted in the nerve root exit zone on the spine.

In general, the patients can lie relaxed in the open MRI, which in many cases results in a good image quality (little to no movement artefacts).

Equipment information

  • High-field MRI "Philips Panorama 1.0T"
Process of examination

Before the examination

Before the examination starts, you will have to take off all metallic objects. These include also watches, hearing aids as well as cheque or credit cards. Metal parts in the body, for example fixed dentures, joint prostheses or metal plates after the operation of a fracture normally do not represent a problem. Please inform the staff if you have any metal-containing parts, in particular

  • vessel supports such as stents
  • vascular clips
  • a prosthetic heart valve
  • an insulin pump
  • metal fragments
  • tattoos

Since malfunctions may occur in the magnetic field, patients with cardiac pacemakers are excluded from the examination as are patients with inner ear prostheses (cochlear implants).

During the examination

During the examination, you are lying on a bench that is slowly moving into the opening of the system, that is in the direction of the magnet, in the beginning. You will then be completely or - for example during an examination of the knee joint - in part inside the system.
Magnet fields that are switched on and off create a relatively loud tapping noise that some patients find a nuisance. Therefore, you will get earplugs or a closed ear-protective device; you will often be able to hear music during the examination. Depending on the region of the body examined and on the problem, the examination will take a few minutes or up to half an hour.

Administration of a contrast agent

It may be necessary during an examination in the magnetic resonance imaging scanner to give you an injection of a special contrast medium. The injection is made into a systemic vein. The intravenous line is put in accordingly before examination.

Open magnetic resonance imaging

In addition to our conventional magnetic resonance imaging scanner, an open magnetic resonance imaging scanner (high-field MRI Philips Panorama) has been available to private patients and self-pay patients at the private practice "Open MRT ATOS Klinik" since September 2010. The practice is situated very near to Radiologische Gemeinschaftspraxis at Schneidmühlstr. 21.

The examination in the Panorama device constitutes a comfortable alternative for all patients, in particular for persons with

  • claustrophobia,
  • limited mobility,
  • overweight.

For more information on the open MRI, please visit: How an Open MRI works

Radiologische Gemeinschaftspraxis in der ATOS Klinik

Bismarckstraße 9-15
69115 Heidelberg
Phone +49 6221 983-200
Fax +49 06221 983-229



Opening hours

Mon–Fri: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sat:           8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Please make an appointment for all examinations (except for X-ray examinations).

Member of Radiologienetz
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