New MRI Scanner Helpful to Claustrophobic Patients | Video

Michelle San Miguel | 11/30/2012

Most people dread going to the doctor. But new technology is making tests that were once intimidating less frightening. Sanford recently starting using a new MRI scanner. It`s known as an open-bore, high field scanner and has a larger opening than traditional MRI machines.

It`s especially helpful for patients who are claustrophobic or anxious, so they can have MRI scans without being sedated.

"One of the features of this piece of equipment here is it has a free-floating tabletop where we can actually drive it to a specific body part, say a shoulder," said MRI radiologist Scott Smith.

Smith says high-field scanners also provide a more detailed image of patients

COMMENT ON THIS STORY