High Field Open MRI

What is MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a painless diagnostic exam that allows physicians to see inside the body without using surgery or radiation. Instead, MRI uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create detailed images of the internal organs and tissues.

The MRI images will help your physician diagnose your illness or injury and design a treatment plan. MRI is especially useful when diagnosing conditions affecting the brain, muscles, joints, heart and other organs.

How is open MRI different than conventional MRI?

Closed MRI requires patients to lie on a table that slides into a long, narrow tunnel where images are taken. The confining design of the equipment makes it difficult to accommodate large patients as well as those who are claustrophobic, experience anxiety or are handicapped.

Open MRI offers a much less confining experience. Instead of being closed in during the exam, patients lie on an open table with a 360 degree view. The design of the equipment makes it a more comfortable experience for a wide range of patients and also allows for staff or a family member to be close to the patient during the exam.

Benefits of High Field Open MRI at the Strongsville Medical Center:

Quality

• Provides cutting-edge digital images for accurate diagnosis
• Images are read on-site by Dr. Bradley Blackburn, a board-certified interventional radiologist
• Digital MRI Images are immediately accessible to physicians at any Southwest General facility.

Comfort

• Less confining equipment accommodates patients of all shapes and sizes. Ideal for larger patients, older adults, handicapped patients and those with claustrophobia.
• Shorter exam time – faster scanning process than low field open MRI scan
• Completely open design:
  • Reduces anxiety in claustrophobic patients and may decrease need for sedation during testing.
    If needed, Dr. Blackburn has special expertise in the use of sedation during MRI testing for patients who would otherwise not be able to complete the exam.
  • Provides reassuring visual contact with staff and family
  • Allows patient to hold support person's hand during the exam

Convenience

• Non-hospital setting is less stressful for patients
• Convenient appointment times available
• Strongsville Medical Center offers free, surface-level parking and easy access to the building

Cost

• No facility fee charged for High field Open MRI at Strongsville Medical Center
• Most insurance plans accepted

Bradley A. Blackburn, MD

Now caring for patients at Southwest General’s Strongsville Medical Center

Southwest General is pleased to welcome Dr. Bradley Blackburn to the Strongsville Medical Center where he offers patients a wide range of procedures, including High Field Open MRI. He has special expertise in the use of sedation during MRI testing for patients who would otherwise not be able to complete the exam, such as those experiencing pain or anxiety.

Prior to joining Southwest General, Dr. Blackburn established the MSN Imaging Center, one of a select few in the country to combine multi-modality imaging with interventional special procedures in an outpatient environment.

Dr. Blackburn is certified by the American Board of Radiology and is a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners.

A graduate of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, Dr. Blackburn completed his diagnostic radiology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Additionally, he completed a Fellowship in Peripheral Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut.

Dr. Blackburn is now welcoming new patients, and former MSN Imaging patients, at his new location at Strongsville Medical Center where he and his staff will continue to offer the greater Cleveland community unsurpassed medical care in a comfortable, convenient location.

We Look Forward to Helping You

For help with a referral or to schedule an appointment, call 440-863-4250.