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Cardiac pacemaker: in vitro assessment at 1.5 T
Frank G Shellock1, David S Fieno, Louise J Thomson
1Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Institute for Magnetic Resonance Safety, Education, and Research, Los Angeles, CA, USA. frank.shellock@gte.net
American Heart Journal
|January 31, 2006
Summary
This study found that a specific cardiac pacemaker is safe for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 1.5 Tesla. Pacemaker function remained unaffected, with minimal heating and artifacts, indicating acceptable safety for MRI procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Device Safety
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Background:
- In vitro testing is crucial for establishing safe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters for patients with implanted devices.
- Evaluating the safety of cardiac pacemakers in MRI environments is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and performance of a specific cardiac pacemaker when exposed to a 1.5-T magnetic resonance (MR) system.
- Determine potential risks associated with MRI on patients with this pacemaker model.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated magnetic field interactions and MRI-induced heating of a cardiac pacemaker (INSIGNIA I PLUS, FINELINE II leads) using three 1.5-T scanners.
- Assessed pacemaker function and characterized artifacts before and after MRI with 9 pulse sequences.
Main Results:
- Minor magnetic field interactions and in vitro temperature increases (< 4.0°C) were observed, deemed safe for specific MR conditions.
- Pacemaker function was unaffected by MRI exposure.
- Minor artifacts were noted for pacing leads, with larger artifacts for the implantable pulse generator.
Conclusions:
- The tested cardiac pacemaker demonstrated acceptable safety features for use with a 1.5-T MR system.
- Under specific conditions and without induced currents, MRI may be safe for patients with this device.
- Results are device-specific to the tested pacemaker, MR systems, and imaging parameters.