The Science & History Behind MRI: How It's Changing Modern Medicine

Let’s take a closer look at Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI for short. ScanMed is an expert in medical imaging, we find this topic fascinating, and believe that a deeper understanding of how MRI works, when it's used, and its history can help you appreciate this incredible technology more. Let's dive in!

Also, we need to brag, ScanMed holds 12 Patents on unique MRI Coils. We live and breath MRI.

How MRI Systems Works:

An MRI machine works by using a combination of a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the internal structures of the body. The magnetic field is generated by powerful electromagnets, which cause hydrogen atoms in the body to align in a specific direction. When radio waves are then introduced, they cause these aligned hydrogen atoms to produce a small, detectable signal. By carefully controlling the magnetic field and radio waves, the MRI machine can then create a series of images that show the structure of the body's tissues and organs.

Why is MRI so special? Unlike X-rays or CT scans, which produce images by using ionizing radiation that can be harmful to the body, MRI uses non-ionizing radio waves that are safe and do not cause any harm. Additionally, the high level of detail provided by MRI makes it a valuable tool for diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions, from brain and spine injuries to cancer, heart disease, and more.

How MRI Works Explained by Siemens:

When MRI is Used:

MRI is a versatile imaging technology that can be used in a wide variety of medical settings. It is particularly useful for imaging soft tissues that cannot be seen as clearly using other imaging methods, such as X-rays or CT scans. Some of the most common applications for MRI include:

• Diagnosing brain and spine injuries

• Assessing the health of the heart and blood vessels

• Detecting and monitoring cancer

• Examining the joints and muscles

• Assessing liver and kidney function

A Brief History of MRI:

MRI has come a long way since its earliest days. In the 1930s, scientists first discovered the principle of magnetic resonance, but it wasn't until the 1970s that the first MRI machine was built. Over the following decades, MRI technology continued to advance, with improvements in magnetic field strength, imaging software, and more. Today, MRI is an essential tool in modern medicine, providing doctors with detailed and non-invasive images of the body's internal structures.

MRI is an amazing technology that has revolutionized the way doctors diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. By using magnetic fields, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the body's internal structures, MRI provides a safe and effective way to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions. I hope this blog post has given you a deeper appreciation for this incredible technology and how it works.

Where ScanMed comes in?

Now that you know everything about MRI’s and coils, we can repair them. We specifically work to repair MRI Coils from brands like GE, Canon, Hatachi, Siemens, Philips, Invivo and Sentinelle.

Call us to get a quote on MRI Coil repairs today. We also manufacture and sell MRI coils directly, that offer higher clarity, unique modalities and lower cost than OEM.