Tahoe Fracture and Orthopedic Clinic in Carson City, Nev., is installing a new MRI machine, according to Nevada Appeal.
Here are five things to know:
1. Unlike other MRI machines, this machine is open, which means instead of lying inside a tunnel for upward of 45 minutes, the patient lies on a bed, in the open, with the machine's large magnetic head floating just above the body part being scanned.
2. According to Chris Greenman, Tahoe Fracture administrator, this new machine will be especially helpful for claustrophobic patients, who may find it tough to endure the traditional machines.
3. The open MRI will be installed by Esaote, one of the world's largest MRI manufacturers.
4. Mr. Greenman said that, while the machine isn't right for every type of scan, it is perfect for orthopedic work.
5. Tahoe Fracture will be able to start taking patients for the new MRI machine by January.