MRI & PM? No, here's why not

MRI is currently contraindicated in patients with pacemakers and ICDs due to a variety of safety concerns related to potential adverse effects on the device from the strong magnetic and radiofrequency forces generated during the scan. These include the possibility of erratic and inappropriate device functioning during (or after) the scan, over-sensing that can cause high rate pacing or thermal damage to the device, and induced voltages on leads that can cause over- and under-sensing. Moreover, combined effects can cause component failures, mechanical vibration, and device damage, according to Kalin and Stanton.

Although such events appear to be rare, severe injury and even death have been reported in patients with pacemakers and ICDs who have undergone MRI scans. Most of the events reported to date occurred during emergency scans in patients who were not properly prepared or monitored. Another troubling finding is an apparent wide variability in response to MRI with different brand and age devices, although there is some evidence to suggest that newer devices containing better protective circuitry may be safer in the setting of MRI. There also appears to be variability of effect depending upon the type and duration of the MRI scan.

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The above is taken directly from Medscape which is funded by Metronics. Note, that deaths have been documented.

2 Comments

doctor

by jessie - 2007-04-13 11:04:38

my cardiologist told me even when you go into the hospital to visit do not go near themrri suite let alone have one. this is what i was told. jessie

Not worth the risk

by lenora - 2007-04-14 12:04:19

You are absolutely right that there have been deaths, Maestro. There are too many variables to ignore: age and condition of the pacemaker itself, condition of the leads, whether there are loose leads in the chest that could heat up, stability of the pacemaker within the pocket, and length of time needed to do the MRI. Several of our members with recalled pacemakers already live in fear that their pacemakers will stop suddenly; why chance causing that with an MRI? There is also of course the issue of pacemaker dependency. I am 100% pacemaker dependent with no escape rhythm of my own, and I have come too far in my now 7 year battle with dilated cardiomyopathy to end my life in an MRI machine. Now, I'm going to be as tactful as possible in saying that I do not wish to hear from valbob again on this or any other subject.

You know you're wired when...

Your device acts like a police scanner.

Member Quotes

I have a well tuned pacer. I hardly know I have it. I am 76 year old, hike and camp alone in the desert. I have more energy than I have had in a long time. The only problem is my wife wants to have a knob installed so she can turn the pacer down.