The Global Open MRI Systems Market Size was valued at USD 1.46 Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 2.64 Billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 6.9% from 2024 to 2032.

Open MRI systems are relatively unique imaging systems developed to eliminate the drawbacks of closed MRI scanners. The difference between the normal MRI systems and the open MRI systems is that the latter has a larger aperture or is partially enclosed by magnets located above and below the patient but not around the patient’s body. This design minimizes the claustrophobic feeling that is likely to be experienced by people with MRI phobia during normal MRI procedures. Also, open MRI systems are more comfortable for people with large body mass indexes, including overweight patients, which mean that everyone can receive imaging services. However, open MRI systems are not ideal for some of the types of scans where higher image resolution and stronger magnetic fields are necessary.

These systems are less rigid and more open and thus afford better patient positioning; this makes them especially useful in patient scanning who may be unable to lay still or on their backs for long. Open MRI systems are especially useful for imaging of joints and extremities because it provides clear images with maximum patient comfort. However, the availability of open MRI systems can be limited, as not all medical facilities are equipped with this technology.

Open MRI Systems Market Dynamics

Currently, open MRI is being adopted in the healthcare market because it can be used to diagnose almost all forms of diseases including tumors, fractures, blocked vessels, spinal problems, and even joint problems like osteoarthritis and herniated discs. Due to their design, they are more comfortable to use for patients than the conventional MRI machines especially to claustrophobic patients or those with big body sizes. The diagnostic flexibility can also be reached with these systems, which allows getting the necessary images of the joints and extremities without causing discomfort to the patient, which has led to the spread of such systems in various medical facilities.

However, there are some limitations, which can slow down the development of the open MRI market. A major drawback is that the primary application of the technology could yield less image detail than conventional MRI equipment, and thus may hinder further refined diagnoses. Further, the high magnetic field which is characteristic of open MRI systems is dangerous to individuals with pacemakers, metal implants, or other ferromagnetic medical devices. Moreover, the open MRI scan is more expensive than the traditional MRI scan and hence may be very expensive to patients and healthcare providers in areas of scarce health resources.

However, there are several issues and challenges in the open MRI systems market and it has huge opportunities. The need for patient-centered diagnostic solutions together with the rising consciousness of healthcare will continue to encourage advancements in open MRI technology. It is considered that such limitations will be resolved with the progress in magnetic field and image resolution, and expand the field of applications. Furthermore, the increasing incidence of chronic diseases and musculoskeletal disorders and the increasing availability of these systems in developing countries create a strong growth potential for manufacturers and healthcare suppliers seeking to improve diagnostic performance and patient satisfaction.

Global Open MRI Systems Market Segment Analysis

Open MRI Systems Market By Field Strength

·       Low-Field

·       Mid-Field

·       High-Field

As per the open MRI systems industry analysis, the mid-field segment was the largest market in 2023 with around 46% share which included open MRI systems with magnetic field strength ranging from 0.3T to 1T. This prevalence is due to the fact that mid-field systems are ideal in terms of image quality and the cost that is incurred in procuring the systems. Besides, recent products that have been introduced into the market have further strengthened this segment. For example, in the July 2024 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation launched the APERTO Lucent, a mid-field open MRI system in the U.S. market and is superior to conventional MRI systems in many ways. The high field segment is expected to have the highest CAGR of 9% during the forecast period owing to continuous investigation and new developments in imaging. Interestingly, in August 2023, India has unveiled its first indigenously developed high-field next-generation MRI scanner, which may lower the price and maybe, enhance uptake in the future.

Open MRI Systems Market By Application

·       Obstructive Sleep Apnea

·       Brain & Neurological

·       Spine & Musculoskeletal

·       Vascular

·       Abdominal

·       Cardiac

·       Breast

·       Others

The brain and neurological segment emerged as the largest segment of the market in 2023 with a share of 23% due to rising geriatric population and rising incidence of neurological disorders. Due to its advantages in detecting anomalies and injuries with comfort, open MRI systems are now essential in imaging the brain and spine. To be able to address this increasing demand, more companies are improving their products. For instance, in February 2024, Koninklijke Philips N.V. released enhanced Azurion neuro biplane system to enhance the efficiency of the operation and ensure the healthcare professional makes right decision in a short span of time. This next generation system provides refined 2D and 3D imaging and more versatility to position detectors and thus contributes to better patient care.

Open MRI Systems Market By End-Use

·       Hospitals

·       Imaging Centers

·       Ambulatory Surgical Centers

·       Others

Based on our open MRI systems market forecast, the hospitals segment is predicted to dominate the market throughout 2024 to 2032. It is due to the large budget, which allows the purchase of new technologies, and the throughput of many patients requiring various diagnostics. Secondly, many hospitals act as the first point of contact for patients making them seek more elaborate imaging systems such as open MRI systems. The increased rates of complicated diseases and the necessity of effective diagnostics also contribute to the hospitals’ use of the systems and strengthens their position in the market.

Open MRI Systems Market Regional Analysis

North America dominates the open MRI systems market due to high health care awareness level, well-developed health care industry and high health care expenditure, and early adoption of advanced technologies. The region has good reimbursement policies and regulatory procedures for equipment and has very good policies that enable many open MRI systems to be in the region. In addition, increasing incidence of chronic diseases and increasing demand for sophisticated diagnostic imaging procedures are other factors that are contributing to the market growth and maintaining North America on the leading position.

Europe ranks immediately after, due to a rise in the diagnostic imaging demand in the region and constant enhancement of the health care facilities. The Asia-Pacific region is characterized by a fast-growing market due to growing healthcare accessibility, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and growing investments in medical technologies. In MEA region the market is still in its budding stage due to the enhancement in the healthcare facilities and awareness about the high end diagnostic services. Latin America on the other hand has a high growth rate due to rising healthcare expenditure and increasing patient pool of the region demanding diagnostic imaging solutions.

Open MRI Systems Market Leading Companies

The open MRI systems market players profiled in the report is Alltech Medical Systems, CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, Esaote SPA, FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, GE Healthcare, Hitachi, Ltd., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Neusoft Corporation, Shenzhen Anke High-tech Co., Ltd., and Siemens Healthineers AG.

Open MRI Systems Market Regions