Who Needs an MRI Machine That Doesn’t Work? Answer: More People Than You’d Expect
Magnetic Imaging Resonance (MRI) technology provides one of the most powerful ways for physicians to see inside the human body to uncover ailments. It is a powerful tool for detecting cancer, and one of the safest: One study showed that MRI is associated with fewer malpractice claims than with other types of diagnostic imaging for cancer cases. (This implies that fewer patients contest the findings from MRI’s than from other types of diagnostic machines).
Oncologic Malpractice
However, healthcare facilities that buy and install MRI machines have to work hard for the benefits: MRI machines are complicated equipment, weighing up to 35,000 lbs (16,000 kg). They are expensive to de-install and re-install, and electricity bills can come to over $1,500/month just for keeping one in storage. MRI machines can also be dangerous if the surroundings are not correctly set up; the magnets in MRI machines are so powerful that they can pull metallic objects from far away toward them like a speeding bullet, risking injury to the machine, the facility, and any people in the objects’ path.
So when a medical teaching organization needs an MRI machine to show its students how MRI works, but doesn’t want all the complications, there is another solution–installation of a mock MRI machine that looks like an MRI but that lacks most or all clinical functions. A mock MRI machine’s appearance is similar to that of an MRI machine, and the table moves the same way. In fact, they are real MRI machines that have been decommissioned and reconfigured to remove the heavy magnet, the electrical systems, and the ancillary equipment room. In other words, start with a complete MRI and remove the complex, dangerous, and expensive functionalities. Mock MRI’s are much less expensive, more portable, and can be used to teach students how to position and set up patients, how to use the coils and other accessories, and how to work in an MRI environment.
Mock MRI machines can be used not only in teaching hospitals, but also in filmmaking and in other teaching centers, such as training rooms for technology companies that use MRI equipment. ROS recently completed one such project at a teaching institute in California.
This MRI machine originated as a Toshiba Titan model, but it was configured to operate without the magnet.
ROS provides both real and mock MRI machines, as well as other refurbished equipment systems, both for diagnostic imaging facilities and radiation oncology facilities. Whether you are seeking a fully functioning machine or a mock one for education or filmmaking purposes, reach out to learn more about how we can meet your needs.
