Magnetic Resonance Imaging  Angiography (MRA)

What is Open MRI?  Open MRI Systems are "Open" by design.  Unlike the more traditional whole body scanning tunnel. the open MRI scanner is open on all four sides.  That is a major advantage for larger people who find a tunnel too confining, for children who might become frightened inside a tunnel, and for anyone with a touch of claustrophobia.

MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) is an MRI study of the blood vessels. It is a painless way to look inside your body without using X-rays. It is used to detect, diagnose and aid in the treatment of heart diseases, blood vessel diseases, aneurysm, and stroke. MRA provides detailed images of blood vessels, both with and without contrast agents. The particular study being done would dictate whether or not the contrast agent was needed. Here is how it works. Your body is composed of small particles called atoms. Hydrogen atoms, or water, make up 95% of the body. Normally, the hydrogen atoms within your body spin around at random. However, when you are placed inside a strong magnetic field, the hydrogen atoms line up and spin in one direction. When a radiowave is passed through the body, the hydrogen gives off a signal. The signal with the aid of a computer becomes the source of MRA information.

How do I prepare for a MRA Scan?          What do MRA scans look like?