Hence, MRI is a noninvasive and very safe procedure. For the examination the patient is placed inside of the MR scanner – typically a large doughnut-shaped device that is open on both ends. The powerful magnetic field aligns atomic particles called protons that are present in most of the body’s tissues. The applied radio waves then cause these protons to produce signals that are picked up by a receiver within the MR scanner. The signals are specially characterized using the rapidly changing magnetic field, and with the help of computer processing, images of tissues are created as “slices” that can be viewed in any orientation. MRI is the preferred procedure for diagnosing a large number of potential problems or abnormal conditions in many different parts of the body. In general, MRI creates pictures that can show differences between healthy and unhealthy tissues.

Physicians use MRI to examine the brain, spine, joints (e.g. knee, shoulder, hip, wrist and ankle), abdomen, pelvic region, breast, blood vessels, heart and other body parts. For some MRI exams a contrast material called gadolinium may be injected into a vein to help improve the information seen on the MR images. The resolution and quality of images produced are dependent on the magnetic field strength generated by the MR scanner. The most modern scanners in today’s clinical use generate a magnetic field strength of 3 Tesla.

Our International Diagnostic Center Frankfurt is equipped with 8 different MR scanners, each fitting its own spectrum of indications. For our international patients, seeking high-end medical imaging diagnostics, we open the gate to our “Mercedes” among the MR scanners, the 3 Tesla MAGNETOM Skyra from Siemens, generating outstanding image quality.