Overview
Medical devices and implants can interact with the strong magnetic fields and radio frequency (RF) energy used in MRI scans. These interactions can potentially cause device malfunction, movement, or heating, which may result in participant injury. It's crucial to assess the MRI compatibility of any medical device or implant before an MRI procedure.
MRI Safety Categories for Medical Devices
- MR Safe: The device poses no known hazards in all MRI environments.
- MR Conditional: The device has been demonstrated to pose no known hazards in a specified MRI environment with specified conditions of use.
- MR Unsafe: The device poses unacceptable risks to the participant, medical staff, or other persons within the MRI environment.
Common Medical Devices and Their MRI Compatibility
| Device/Implant | MRI Safety | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drug infusion pumps | Unsafe | If possible, the participant may remove the device. |
| Pacemakers (newer models) | Conditional | Requires specific programming and monitoring |
| Aneurysm Clips | Conditional | Depends on the specific material and model |
| Orthopedic Joint Replacements | Safe | Generally safe, but may cause image artifacts |
| Dental Implants | Safe | Usually safe, but may cause local image distortion |
Safety Precautions
- Always inform your technologist and MRI technologist about any implants or medical devices you have.
- Provide detailed information about the make and model of your device if possible.
- Bring any medical device identification card you may have to your MRI appointment.
- For MR Conditional devices, ensure all specified conditions are met before the MRI scan.
- Some devices may need to be adjusted or temporarily deactivated before the MRI.
- Follow all instructions provided by your healthcare team regarding your device and the MRI procedure.
Emerging Technologies
Medical device manufacturers are continually developing MRI-compatible versions of various implants and devices. However, it's important to note that even if a newer version of a device is MRI-compatible, older versions may not be. Always verify the specific model and its MRI compatibility.