(COLORADO SPRINGS) — UCHealth said one of its Colorado Springs locations is getting a new MRI machine, said to be a roomier, more comfortable experience.

According to UCHealth, UCHealth’s Eastview Medical Center near North Carefree Circle and North Powers Boulevard is now home to Colorado’s first Free.Max MRI, the world’s widest MRI scanner, designed to enhance both patient comfort and diagnostic precision.

UCHealth said with a 31.5-inch bore, the scanner offers more space than standard MRIs, which are typically either 23.6 inches or 27.5 inches. The wider bore provides more headroom and shoulder space, reducing anxiety and discomfort for patients.

Courtesy: UCHealth

Courtesy: UCHealth

“At UCHealth, we are always focused on the needs of our patients, and that’s why we’ve invested in this advanced technology – the first and only MRI of its kind in Colorado,” said Lonnie Cramer, president and CEO of UCHealth’s southern Colorado region. “Not only will it offer a superior patient experience, it also expands diagnostic options available to physicians. We are thrilled to able to offer it to our community.”

The Free.Max scanner operates at a much lower magnetic field strength and uses AI-powered imaging technology that provides clearer and faster scans, including improved imaging of certain implants, such as orthopedic hardware, according to UCHealth.

“MRI scans are an important tool for an accurate diagnosis, and for people who suffer anxiety or are claustrophobic, the experience can be intimidating. The new MRI is much more spacious, resulting in a significantly better patient experience,” said Chris Gallegos, radiology manager for UCHealth’s southern region. “With a larger bore and a table capacity of up to 700 pounds, the system opens MRI access to a patient population that previously may not have been able to be scanned on our other machines.”

The Free.Max is the second MRI at Eastview Medical Center, and there are seven others in the Pikes Peak region.