How Open Bariatric Imaging is Benefiting Overweight Patients

INTRODUCTION

Much progress continues to be made when it comes to MRIs for special-population patients.  Such groups include children (whose special needs increase & expand as age decreases), the elderly, claustrophobic folks, the overweight, etc.  

The latter (i.e.,” bariatric” or overweight people) group, since it encompasses an ever-increasing segment of the population, is in the forefront of technological improvement initiatives. 

ATTACKING A PROBLEM FROM SEVERAL DIFFERENT ANGLES

Overweight and obese people pose special challenges when it comes to imaging.  Fat tissue in the human body, for example, tends to interfere with the quality obtained from most imaging tools, including MRIs.  This is especially true if concomitant issues enter into the picture: 

• People with metal implants of any kind or who work with metals (thus possibly acquiring dust inside body cavities, like the eyes);
• Patients with claustrophobia and other kinds of mental/emotional issues;
• Patients tending to move excessively when exposed to an MRI—this is a more likely scenario if, for example, the patient is uncomfortable lying flat for very long (as is often the case with overweight people). Movement during an MRI can blur images, sometimes creating need for additional potentially expensive and time-consuming imaging sessions.

The best solutions, therefore, are those that attack, from a number of different angles, potential poor MRI results.  Bariatric MRIs today, for example, provide wider bores/capsules, tables able to withstand heavier (than the average) persons, and, for those who cannot or will not lie down for very long, “open” bariatric imaging. 

The idea is to address the needs of patients beyond their size/weight considerations.  In addition to allowing people to stand in structures that are not as restrictive (size-wise) as traditional MRI devices, the best-equipped MRI centers utilize a number of practical tools/techniques to make sure patients are totally comfortable. 

This is achieved through music/videos, sedation (when needed), machines that operate faster and less noisily than in the past, and knowledgeable, friendly & well-trained MRI staff.

IS OPEN BARIATRIC IMAGING FOR EVERYONE?

 While imaging specialists have addressed many of the obstacles (including often exorbitant costs of an MRI) that may have prevented some people from getting an MRI in the past, there are still obstacles that even new technology may not be able to completely get rid of.  

Some of the circumstances that may make a patient (regardless of their weight) unsuitable for any kind of MRI include:

• Neurostimulators
• Cochlear implants
• Metal scrap/dust (e.g., in the eyes)
• Brain aneurysm clips
• Cardiac pacemakers
• Screwed-on dental implants
• Metallic bone supports/joint replacements
• Pregnancy (something to discuss with a doctor)

WHAT CAN OPEN BARIATRIC IMAGING HELP DIAGNOSE?

Unfortunately, being overweight/obese is a risk factor for a number of medical problems.  Open bariatric imaging may be indispensable in diagnosing: 

1. Spinal/brain aberrations
2. The earliest stages of strokes
3. Difficult-to-spot spinal, joint or brain infections
4. Ligament, cartilage, tendon and bone damage
5. Vascular abnormalities
6. Cardiac conditions
7. Herniated discs
8. Soft tissue masses (often undetectable with other imaging devices)

CONCLUSION 

Clearly, open bariatric imaging is one of the most useful relatively-new inventions in modern medicine.  People who are overweight/obese are especially vulnerable to a number of often-difficult-to-diagnose medical problems; by diagnosing these problems in their earliest stages, however, a good prognosis can often be obtained.

Copyright, 2018.  Fred Fletcher.  All rights reserved.

Resources & References 

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