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Is magnetic resonance imaging safe in cardiac pacemaker recipients?
J Leal Del Ojo1, F Moya, J Villalba
1Servicio de Cardiología Hospital de Valme, Cardiology Service, Carretera Sevilla-Cádiz s/n, 41014 Seville, Spain. jlealvalme@terra.es
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|April 14, 2005
Summary
This study found that 2.0 Tesla MRI scans are safe for patients with St. Jude Medical Affinity DR pacemakers and Tendril leads. No adverse effects or changes in pacemaker function were observed during or after the MRI procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Medical Device Safety
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Cardiac pacemakers (PM) have historically been a contraindication for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) due to safety concerns.
- Previous research indicates potential risks associated with MRI exposure in pacemaker patients, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and risks of performing 2.0 Tesla MRI scans in patients with specific cardiac pacemakers.
- To compare pacemaker pacing functions and lead impedance before and after MRI exposure.
- To monitor for any adverse effects in patients undergoing MRI with pacemakers.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 13 patients with St. Jude Medical Affinity DR model 5330 pacemakers and Tendril model 1388 leads.
- Pacemaker sensing and pacing functions, along with lead impedance, were measured pre- and post-2.0 T-MRI.
- Patients were monitored using electrocardiography and direct verbal communication during the MRI scan, with pacemakers programmed in DDD mode and bipolar sensing.
Main Results:
- No instances of pacemaker inhibition, asynchronous pacing, or inappropriately rapid pacing were observed.
- Patients reported no discomfort, heat, or sensation of motion at the pacemaker implant site.
- No significant differences were found in sensing, stimulation, AutoCapture thresholds, or lead impedance before and after the MRI scan.
Conclusions:
- Performing 2.0 T-MRI scans appears to be safe for patients with the specific St. Jude Medical Affinity DR model 5330 pacemaker and Tendril model 1388 leads.
- The findings suggest that MRI may be a viable imaging option for select pacemaker patients when specific device models are used and appropriate monitoring is in place.