IMRIS® is a Canadian manufacturer of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Systems for use in neurosurgical operating rooms. The 1.5T intra-operative system, developed by IMRIS, is the only system of its kind in the world. This patented, intra-operative system, is designed so that the magnet moves over the patient for imaging (before, during and after surgery), and then is retracted to allow complete surgical access to the patient.

MRI Scanners:

1.5T:

ISOL Technology participated in the pioneering the Korea's MRI development since the early 1980's. In spite of the rapidly changing business environment, and severe competition in the overall medical market, ISOL Technology has grown steadily each year and has established itself as a major provider of Magnetic Resonance(MR) Imaging Systems in Korea.
ISOL Technology also has the largest market share of the domestic bone densitometry equipment sales and is currently in the early stages of development of the 61 channel MCG (Magnetocardiography) system with the R and D funds from the Korean Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy.

MRI Scanners:

0.35T to 0.5T:
1.5T:
3T:

Founded in 1991, ImaRx Pharmaceutical Corp. designs, develops and markets pharmaceuticals for medical imaging (MRI, ultrasound and computed tomography) for the radiological imaging industry.
ImaRx Pharmaceutical Corp., announced 1999 that it has been acquired by E.I DuPont de Nemours and Co., Inc.. The terms of the acquisition provide a royalty-free licensing arrangement with a newly-formed company, ImaRx LLC ("LLC"), to pursue and develop new products and technologies for drug and gene delivery independent from DuPont. Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., ImaRx' licensee for Asian territories for this product, will continue to develop the product in Asia as DuPont's licensee. ImaRx LLC will have ownership of all other targeted and therapeutic products previously owned by ImaRx, including imaging products outside of diagnostic ultrasound imaging and two other imaging products, SonoRx® and LumenHance®, which are both FDA approved and licensed to BRACCO Diagnostics.

MRI Contrast Agents:

Lantheus Medical Imaging is a worldwide leader in medical imaging, with headquarters in North Billerica, Massachusetts, and nearly 700 employees worldwide with offices in Puerto Rico, Canada, and Australia.
The product portfolio includes ABLAVAR™ (gadofosveset trisodium) a blood pool contrast agent for magnetic resonance angiography MRA, Cardiolite® (Kit for the preparation of Technetium Tc99m Sestamibi), a cardiac perfusion imaging agent and DEFINITY® Vial for (Perflutren Lipid Microsphere) injectable suspension, the leading cardiac ultrasound contrast agent in the US.

MRI Contrast Agents:

The MRI device is located within a specially shielded room (Faraday cage) to avoid outside interference, caused by the use of radio waves very close in frequency to those of ordinary FM radio stations.
The MRI procedure can easily be performed through clothing and bones, but attention must be paid to ferromagnetic items, because they will be attracted from the magnetic field. A hospital gown is appropriate, or the patient should wear clothing without metal fasteners and remove any metallic objects like hairpins, jewelry, eyeglasses, clocks, hearing aids, any removable dental work, lighters, coins etc., not only for MRI safety reasons. Metal in or around the scanned area can also cause errors in the reconstructed images (artifacts). Because the strong magnetic field can displace, or disrupt metallic objects, people with an implanted active device like a cardiac pacemaker cannot be scanned under normal circumstances and should not enter the MRI area.
The MRI machine can look like a short tunnel or has an open MRI design and the magnet does not completely surround the patient. Usually the patient lies on a comfortable motorized table, which slides into the scanner, depending on the MRI device, patients may be also able to sit up. If a contrast agent is to be administered, intravenous access will be placed. A technologist will operate the MRI machine and observe the patient during the examination from an adjacent room. Several sets of images are usually required, each taking some minutes. A typical MRI scan includes three to nine imaging sequences and may take up to one hour. Improved MRI devices with powerful magnets, newer software, and advanced sequences may complete the process in less time and better image quality.
Before and after the most MRI procedures no special preparation, diet, reduced activity, and extra medication is necessary. The magnetic field and radio waves are not felt and no pain is to expect.
Movement can blur MRI images and cause certain artifacts. A possible problem is the claustrophobia that some patients experience from being inside a tunnel-like scanner. If someone is very anxious or has difficulty to lie still, a sedative agent may be given. Earplugs and/or headphones are usually given to the patient to reduce the loud acoustic noise, which the machine produces during normal operation. A technologist observes the patient during the test. Some MRI scanners are equipped with televisions and music to help the examination time pass.
MRI is not a cheap examination, however cost effective by eliminating the need for invasive radiographic procedures, biopsies, and exploratory surgery. MRI scans can also save money while minimizing patient risk and discomfort. For example, MRI can reduce the need for X-ray angiography and myelography, and can eliminate unnecessary diagnostic procedures that miss occult disease.

See also Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI, Medical Imaging, Cervical Spine MRI, Claustrophobia, MRI Risks and Pregnancy.
For Ultrasound Imaging (USI) see Ultrasound Imaging Procedures at Medical-Ultrasound-Imaging.com.

See also the related poll result: 'MRI will have replaced 50% of x-ray exams by'