Open MRI (ESAOTE O-SCAN — Claustrophobia-Friendly)

Low-field open MRI using the ESAOTE O-SCAN system for patients who are claustrophobic, children requiring a parent's presence, or patients with certain implants such as pacemakers or cochlear implants that are contraindicated in high-field scanners. Suitable for peripheral joint imaging including shoulders, knees, ankles, wrists, and elbows. Family members may accompany children during the scan. Not suitable for whole-body imaging.

The open MRI service at Radiologie Hamburg uses an ESAOTE O-SCAN, a dedicated low-field open extremity and peripheral MRI system designed specifically for patients who cannot tolerate the enclosed tunnel environment of conventional MRI machines. Unlike standard cylindrical closed-bore scanners, the O-SCAN has an open design that avoids the claustrophobic tunnel entirely, making it accessible for patients with severe claustrophobia who experience significant anxiety or panic in conventional machines. The open architecture also allows a parent or accompanying adult to sit alongside a child during the examination — reducing the anxiety common in paediatric imaging and often eliminating the need for sedation, which carries its own clinical risks and adds organisational complexity. A third key benefit of the open low-field system is compatibility with certain implanted medical devices that are contraindicated in high-field 3 Tesla or 1.5 Tesla scanners: some pacemaker models, older cochlear implants, and other metallic or electronic implants that carry restrictions in stronger magnetic fields may be safely accommodated in the lower field strength of the O-SCAN, subject to prior review of implant documentation. The O-SCAN is optimised for peripheral joint imaging — the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot — delivering clinically useful image quality for orthopaedic, sports medicine, and rheumatological indications in these regions. It is not a whole-body scanner and is not suitable for brain, spine, abdominal, pelvic, or cardiac imaging. Hamburg's Radiologie Hamburg practice offers this service as a complement to their 3 Tesla closed-bore system, ensuring that patients who cannot use high-field MRI for medical or psychological reasons have a pathway to diagnostic imaging at the same practice. Billing follows the GOÄ fee schedule; PKV and Beihilfe patients can submit claims to their insurer.