Who Invented the MRI Machine?

The MRI was invented by Raymond Damadian, and the first MRI on a human body was done in 1977. Though Damadian did not invent the actual technology used in MRI, he was the first to apply it to clinical medicine.

History

The MRI machine, which stands for magnetic resonance imaging, was invented by Raymond V. Damadian, who chose medical research over a regular medical practice because he saw the potential to help millions of people with his work. In 1978, he formed the FONAR Corporation to produce the MRI scanner.

Significance

MRI scanning is a non-invasive procedure that is more accurate than ordinary x-rays.

Function

The MRI scanner uses magnetic fields and radio waves to map the body's vital tissues. These images are used to detect and diagnose diseased tissue. The MRI scanner is used to detect tumors and measure blood flow.

Types

A traditional MRI scanner is a huge cylindrical machine. The patient lies on a table that slides inside the scanner. An open MRI scanner is used for larger patients that may not fit in the closed MRI scanner and for patients that have severe claustrophobia.

Benefits

MRI scanning is noisy but painless. The MRI scanner shows cross-sectional as well as three-dimensional images.

Warning

The radiologist doing the MRI scan needs to know about any medical implants, such as pacemakers, clips, pins or IUD. All jewelry, belt buckles and other metal must be removed.

Resources

• Information about inventors
• National Inventors Hall of Fame
• A detailed description of an MRI scan