Does bore size matter?-A comparison of the subjective perception of patient comfort during low field (0.55 Tesla) and standard (1.5 Tesla) MRI imaging.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the subjectively perceived patient comfort during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations and to assess potential differences between a recently introduced low field MRI scanner and a standard MRI scanner. Among other characteristics, the low field MRI scanner differs from the standard MRI scanner by offering more space (wider bore size of 80 centimeter diameter) and producing less noise, which may influence the patient comfort. In total, 177 patients were surveyed after MRI scans with either the low field MRI scanner (n = 91, MAGNETOM Free.Max, Siemens Healthineers) or the standard MRI scanner (n = 86, MAGNETOM Avanto Fit, Siemens Healthineers). Patients rated different aspects of comfort on a 5 point Likert scale: (a) claustrophobia, (b) comfort of the scanner table, (c) noise level and (d) vertigo during the scanning procedure. In terms of claustrophobia and comfort of the scanner table, patients rated both MRI scanners similar (e.g., mean ratings for claustrophobia: standard MRI scanner = 4.63 ± 1.04, low field MRI scanner = 4.65 ± 1.02). However, when asked for a comparison, patients did favor the more spacious low field MRI scanner. In terms of noise level, the low field MRI scanner was rated significantly better (mean ratings: standard MRI scanner = 3.72 ± 1.46 [median 4 = "rather not unpleasant"], low field MRI scanner = 4.26 ± 1.22 [median 5 = "not unpleasant at all"]). Patients did not perceive any significant difference in terms of vertigo between both MRI scanners. The newly developed low field MRI scanner offers constructional differences compared to standard MRI scanners that are perceived positively by patients. Worth highlighting is the significantly lower noise level and the innovative bore diameter of 80 centimeter, which offers more space to the patients.

Patient Comfort in Modern Computed Tomography: What Really Counts.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the patient comfort during CT examinations with a modern CT scanner (Photon-Counting CT (PCCT)) and to compare the perceived patient comfort with a standard CT scanner. METHODS: A total of 157 patients participated in this study and completed a questionnaire on their subjective perceptions after their CT examination. The following aspects of comfort were rated on a 5-point Likert scale: (1) claustrophobia in general and during the examination, (2) the effort to lie down and to get up from the CT table, (3) the speed and comfort of the CT table, (4) the difficulty of holding the breath during the CT scan, and (5) the communication during the examination. RESULTS: Patients rated the modern CT scanner significantly better in terms of speed and comfort of the CT table and in terms of difficulty of holding their breath during the CT scan. The answers regarding the other aspects of comfort did not reveal significant differences. When asked for a comparison, patients who did perceive a difference between both scanners rated the modern CT scanner as more comfortable in all aspects of comfort. CONCLUSIONS: The survey did not reveal any major deficits in terms of comfort on the standard CT scanner. However, patients perceived the structural changes positively and appreciated the comfort of a modern CT scanner.