Medserena MRI

Open and upright MRI scanning at Medserena's London and Manchester centres

Medserena MRI Ltd operates two private imaging centres in the United Kingdom: one in Kensington, London, and another in West Didsbury, Manchester. Both specialise in open and upright MRI, a format in which the patient can sit or stand during the scan rather than lie in a conventional tunnel scanner. The company presents itself as the largest private provider of upright MRI scans in Europe.

The service is aimed at people for whom a standard flatbed tunnel scanner is unsuitable, whether because of claustrophobia, high body weight or an inability to lie flat for long periods due to back pain. The open-fronted design is intended to keep the patient in contact with the radiographer throughout the examination.

Scan areas and clinical focus

The catalogue of examinations covers a broad range of anatomical regions:

• Brain and neck, including brain, Circle of Willis MRA, carotid MRA and soft tissue neck
• Spine and craniocervical junction, including cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, sacroiliac joints and the CCJ, as well as combined CCJ, cervical spine and brain studies
• Abdomen and pelvis, including gall bladder MRCP, prostate, pelvis gynae
• Joints and limbs: shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, upper leg, knee, lower leg, ankle and foot

The centre also frames its work around specific complaints and symptoms, listing lower back pain, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), whiplash, sports injury, claustrophobia and fear of MRI as areas of particular attention.

Weight-bearing imaging and the variPOSE sequence

According to the company, upright scanners are especially useful for assessing back pain and joint problems because the patient can be scanned in a weight-bearing position, giving a more realistic picture of how spinal vertebrae and joints respond to gravity and pressure. Medserena has developed its own scanning sequence for the spine and neck called variPOSE, which images these areas in different positions such as extended, flexed or rotated.

intelligentMR technology

The centre has introduced intelligentMR, described as AI-powered technology intended to improve image quality while reducing the time spent in the scanner. Medserena states that its open MRI scans can now rival the clarity of traditional 1.5T tunnel MRI systems, and that the technology is deployed across its MRI centres.

Referral routes, payment and insurance

Patients can book online on a self-pay basis, and those referred by a healthcare professional can upload their referral letter when booking. The choice between self-pay and private medical insurance is offered, and the company says it works with a set of leading private medical insurance companies. NHS-referred patients holding an authorised individual funding request (IFR) are also accepted. Reports on findings are provided by UK-based radiologists specialising in the type of scan chosen.

Overseas patients

Medserena addresses international patients directly, noting that both centres are located near major airports: the London centre close to Heathrow and the Manchester centre convenient for Manchester airport. Overseas patients can select a preferred date and time and secure an appointment online.

Two UK centres

The London centre in Kensington and the Manchester centre in West Didsbury form the company's operational base. Appointments at both are usually available within days, according to the company. The registered head office is at 26-28 The Boulevard, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 2EU.