Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 7 Tesla
09:14

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 7 Tesla

Published on: January 6, 2019

Evaluation of cumulative effects of MR imaging on pacemaker systems at 1.5 Tesla

Claas P Naehle1, Volkert Zeijlemaker, Daniel Thomas

  • 1Department of Radiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. cp@naehle.net

Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|October 2, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Repeated MRI scans in patients with pacemakers showed no clinically significant cumulative effects on pacemaker function. Pacemaker systems (PM) demonstrated stable performance despite multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Medical Device Engineering
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Cardiac pacemakers (PM) are common in patients requiring medical imaging.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable diagnostic tool but poses potential risks to implanted devices.
  • Cumulative effects of repeated MRI exposure on PM systems are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cumulative impact of multiple MRI examinations on pacemaker system parameters.
  • To assess potential changes in pacing capture threshold (PCT), lead impedance (LI), and battery voltage (BV) after repeated 1.5T MRI scans.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 47 patients with pacemakers who underwent 171 MRI examinations at 1.5T.
  • Pacemaker interrogation before and after MRI, and at 3 months, measuring PCT, LI, and BV.
  • Statistical analysis of changes in PCT, LI, and BV based on the number of MRI exams.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant, but clinically irrelevant, trend for decreased PCT and BV was observed.
  • No significant or clinically relevant changes in LI were detected across repeated MRI examinations.
  • The majority of pacemaker parameters remained stable throughout the study period.

Conclusions:

  • No clinically relevant cumulative changes in pacemaker function were detected after multiple MRI examinations.
  • While findings suggest safety, a careful benefit/risk assessment remains crucial for each patient.
  • Further research and adherence to safety precautions are recommended for MRI in pacemaker patients.

More Related Videos

Mapping the After-effects of Theta Burst Stimulation on the Human Auditory Cortex with Functional Imaging10:09

Mapping the After-effects of Theta Burst Stimulation on the Human Auditory Cortex with Functional Imaging

Published on: September 12, 2012

The Use of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy as a Tool for the Measurement of Bi-hemispheric Transcranial Electric Stimulation Effects on Primary Motor Cortex Metabolism13:56

The Use of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy as a Tool for the Measurement of Bi-hemispheric Transcranial Electric Stimulation Effects on Primary Motor Cortex Metabolism

Published on: November 19, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI01:21

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging01:24

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique based on a phenomenon of nuclear physics discovered in the 1930s, in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. In 1970, a physician and researcher named Raymond Damadian noticed that malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue. He applied for a patent for the first MRI scanning device in clinical use by the early 1980s. The early MRI...