Patient tolerance is the clinical rationale for an open MRI system, and it is a rationale with real revenue implications. A facility that cannot image claustrophobic patients, patients with anxiety disorders, obese patients who exceed the weight limits of conventional bore scanners, or young children who panic in an enclosed tunnel is referring those patients out. Each referred patient is lost revenue, and in markets where the imaging center's competitive differentiation depends on access and service, referring on claustrophobia cases is a weakness that open MRI eliminates.
The financing for an open MRI system follows the same structure as any MRI acquisition: a term loan or lease that covers the full installed cost, with terms matched to the system's expected revenue contribution. The siting requirements for an open system are generally simpler than for a closed-bore superconducting scanner, which reduces the total project cost and often brings the transaction into application-only territory.
We finance open MRI systems for independent imaging centers, orthopedic practices, and multispecialty clinics looking to serve patients who would not otherwise tolerate MRI. Platforms range from the traditional C-arm permanent-magnet systems at 0.3T to 0.7T up to the Hitachi Oasis and comparable open-bore superconducting systems at 1.0T and above. We also finance the Philips Panorama HFO, an open system capable of higher field strength than most permanent-magnet alternatives.
Open MRI Technology: Configuration and Clinical Scope
Open MRI systems come in two fundamental configurations. The traditional C-arm or H-frame permanent-magnet design places the patient between two magnet poles in a fully open geometry. Field strengths for this design range from 0.2T to 0.7T, and the image quality is appropriate for musculoskeletal, spine, and general anatomical work. The open geometry accommodates patients with claustrophobia, large body habitus, and those who need a caregiver present during the scan.
The second configuration, the open-bore superconducting system, represents a higher field strength option that retains more of the open character. The Hitachi Echelon Oval at 1.5T, for example, uses an oval bore geometry that is wider than a standard round bore, reducing the enclosed feeling while maintaining the signal advantages of superconducting technology. The trade-off is higher cost and more demanding siting compared to a permanent-magnet system.
For practices choosing between a wide-bore closed system and a true open configuration, the decision usually comes down to patient population. A wide-bore 70 cm or 75 cm bore can accommodate most patients who fit physically; a true open system serves patients who are psychologically unable to tolerate any enclosure, regardless of size. Practices serving a high proportion of pediatric or anxiety-disorder patients often find the true open configuration more clinically valuable.
The Hitachi Oasis and Hitachi Airis Vento are the most commonly financed open-configuration systems in the secondary market. Both have established service organizations and reasonable residual values, which keeps the financing terms competitive.
New vs. Used Open MRI: What the Market Offers
The secondary market for open MRI systems is active, particularly for the permanent-magnet category. Practices that have upgraded to higher-field systems or closed their MRI service frequently sell their open units to imaging centers, orthopedic offices, and rural facilities where the technology provides adequate clinical capability at an affordable price.
A used Hitachi Oasis open 1.0T system or an Esaote permanent-magnet unit in good condition can often be acquired for $100,000 to $300,000 installed, depending on age and coil inventory. That price range almost always qualifies for application-only financing, making the documentation requirements minimal. The key due-diligence items on a used open MRI are the service history, the condition of the magnet poles and yoke for permanent-magnet systems, and the current coil inventory.
New open MRI systems are available from Esaote and from Hitachi (now Fujifilm Healthcare), with prices ranging from $400,000 to $800,000 depending on field strength, configuration, and the software package. New systems carry manufacturer warranties and service contracts that reduce the first-year operational risk compared to a used acquisition.
Connecting Open MRI to Your Broader Financing Plan
An open MRI acquisition is rarely the only equipment decision a practice faces. Practices that add an open scanner often need to consider the waiting room, patient flow systems, and contrast injector as companion purchases. The MRI contrast injector can be financed alongside the scanner. If the open system is part of a larger imaging buildout that includes plain film or ultrasound, our team can coordinate the financing across multiple equipment categories.
Practices with an existing owned system that want to refinance it to generate working capital for the open MRI purchase can explore our MRI sale-leaseback structure. The equity in the existing system can fund a substantial portion of the open MRI project without drawing down practice cash reserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are questions from practices and imaging center managers considering open MRI financing.
Finance Your Open MRI System
Open MRI financing is one of the more straightforward transactions in the imaging equipment space, particularly for permanent-magnet systems. Contact our team with the system details and your practice profile, and we will turn a financing proposal around quickly. Many open MRI transactions are approved within 48 hours of a complete application.