What distinguishes an "open" MRI from a "closed" MRI?

An open MRI is distinguished from a closed MRI primarily by its design, which features a wider opening. This design allows for greater accessibility and comfort for patients, particularly those who may experience anxiety or claustrophobia in the confined space of a closed MRI. The open configuration means that patients can feel less restricted and can have a more relaxed imaging experience.

In contrast, closed MRIs are generally equipped with higher magnetic strength, which can lead to better image quality and faster scanning times. This difference is notable, but it does not define the structural characteristics that differentiate open and closed systems. The other points regarding cost and patient size accommodation are not the primary distinctions; in many cases, closed MRIs have a capacity for larger patients due to their design, rather than being solely defined by the type of MRI scanner.