Advanced Open MRI in Houston — Walters Road

Understand the examination

About Open MRI

An open MRI has a different scanner design from a conventional enclosed scanner. It can be worth discussing if small spaces make you anxious. Open, wide-bore and short-bore describe different designs; they do not mean every scanner can perform the same examination.

Open, wide-bore and high-field describe different things

Open describes the physical arrangement of an MRI scanner. Wide-bore describes a larger opening in a tunnel-style scanner, while high-field refers to magnetic field strength. These terms are not interchangeable, and an open design does not identify every technical capability of the machine. The practical question is how the equipment can perform the examination your clinician needs while accommodating your comfort and positioning. Looking at a scanner photograph may help you describe what worries you, but it cannot establish whether that machine is suitable for a particular protocol. The body area, required detail and equipment configuration all matter.

Comfort depends on the whole examination

For some people, the main difficulty is the space around the face. For others, pain, noise, staying still or not knowing when the next image set will finish is harder. Describe the specific problem from any previous scan rather than simply saying that MRI did not work. Ask how you will be positioned, what will be placed around the body area, and how you can communicate with the technologist. A more open environment may address one concern while other adjustments are still needed. Make a plan before the examination, including how to ask for help if discomfort increases.

Body size and positioning are separate from a weight limit

A scanner has a table limit, but weight alone does not establish whether a person can be positioned safely and comfortably. The space needed for the examination, receiver equipment and protective padding also matters. The relevant dimensions depend on the body area and position. Tell the imaging team if you cannot raise an arm, straighten a joint or lie comfortably in the expected position. Ask them to assess the actual setup rather than relying on a general advertised limit. Do not infer Advantis equipment dimensions from specifications published for a different imaging center or from the label open MRI.

A useful alternative still needs the right protocol

An alternative scanner is helpful when it can produce the information needed for the clinical decision. If a referring clinician requests a specialized study, the imaging team may need to discuss whether that protocol can be performed on the proposed system. Ask what happens if the preferred scanner cannot answer the question adequately: a different design, a revised comfort plan or another imaging method may be considered. This is a clinical planning discussion, not a reason to replace the ordered study yourself. If medication is proposed, clarify the prescribing and transportation arrangements separately; choosing open MRI does not automatically include sedation.

Scan Preparation

A doctor’s order is required before your scan. When you call, say that you are interested in the open MRI at Walters Road. Have your order available and explain any positioning or accessibility needs. Ask the team to confirm the scanner is appropriate before making travel arrangements.

Open MRI, wide-bore and high-field: questions to ask

Scanner descriptions can be confusing. Ask which machine would perform your examination, what the opening is like and how you would be positioned. Confirm any height, weight or accessibility needs directly with the center. Advantis lists open MRI at Walters Road; contact scheduling for the specifications relevant to your order.

Plan around comfort before appointment day

Explain whether your main concern is enclosed space, pain while lying down, scanner noise or a previous incomplete examination. Ask what support can be arranged and how you will communicate with the technologist. If you are considering anxiety medication, discuss it with your clinician and confirm any driver requirements before choosing an appointment.

Arrange the right location

For open MRI, use the Walters Road address on your appointment confirmation: 14405 Walters Road, Suite A, Houston, TX 77014. Tell scheduling if the referring office sent an order to another Advantis location so the examination and appointment details can be reconciled before you travel.

High-field open MRI at Walters Road

Walters Road offers high-field open MRI. Advantis also has a 1.5T closed scanner at Richmond Avenue and a high-field scanner at Dickinson. Open describes the scanner design; Tesla (T) describes magnetic field strength. Scheduling will match the ordered examination to the appropriate scanner.

During the MRI

The team explains positioning and communication for the scan. Follow instructions about staying still and any brief breathing steps. Ask before the scan begins how to raise a concern, and tell the technologist if you need help.

Imaging Results & Reports

Your radiologist’s report goes to the ordering clinician, who will explain the findings and next steps. Contact our records team for copies of your images or report.