Magnetically programmable shunt valve: MRI at 3-Tesla

A magnetically programmable cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt valve (Codman Hakim Programmable Valve, Codman, a Johnson & Johnson Company, Raynham, MA) was assessed for magnetic field interactions, heating, artifacts and functional changes at 3-Tesla. The programmable valve showed minor magnetic field interactions and heating (+0.4 degrees C). Artifacts were relatively large in relation to the size and shape of this implant and, as such, may create a problem if the area of interest is in proximity to this implant. While multiple exposures and various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conditions at 3-Tesla changed the settings of some valves (i.e., reprogramming was needed), the function of the programmable valve was not permanently affected. Therefore, this magnetically programmable CSF shunt valve is acceptable for a patient undergoing MRI at 3-Tesla or less when specific safety guidelines are followed, including resetting the valve, as needed.