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Published on: January 6, 2011
MR safety in patients with implanted deep brain stimulation systems (DBS)
A Sharan1, A R Rezai, J A Nyenhuis
1Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Acta Neurochirurgica. Supplement
|October 2, 2003
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with deep brain stimulators (DBS) can cause heating. This study found that under specific conditions, MRI is safe for patients with DBS, but further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Deep brain stimulators (DBS) are used in patients with neurological disorders.
- A significant safety concern for MRI in patients with DBS is excessive heating due to induced electrical currents.
- Determining the safety of MRI in patients with DBS is crucial for their care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety of performing MRI examinations in patients with deep brain stimulators.
- To quantify the potential for magnetically induced electrical currents and subsequent heating.
- To establish conditions under which MRI can be safely performed with DBS systems.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of standard deep brain stimulator configurations.
- Utilized a 1.5-Tesla (T) MRI system with both body and head RF coils.
- Measured temperature changes using a fluoroptic thermometry system under varying RF energy levels (SAR).
Main Results:
- Temperature increases ranged from 2.5 to 25.3 degrees C when using the body RF coil.
- Temperature increases ranged from 2.3 to 7.1 degrees C when using the head RF coil.
- Significant heating was observed under certain MRI conditions.
Conclusions:
- Excessive heating can occur during MRI in patients with DBS under specific imaging parameters.
- MRI may be safely performed in patients with DBS under conditions identified in this study.
- Standardized testing and further comprehensive studies are necessary to ensure the MR safety of neurostimulation systems.
