Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
A Computational Modeling Approach to Investigate the Influence of Hyperthermia on the Tumor Microenvironment
Published on: December 1, 2023
Numerical model for estimating RF-induced heating on a pacemaker implant during MRI: experimental validation
Eugenio Mattei1, Giovanni Calcagnini, Federica Censi
1Department of Technology and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome 00161, Italy. eugenio.mattei@iss.it
Abstract:
MRI may cause tissue heating in patients implanted with pacemakers (PMs) or cardioverters/defibrillators. As a consequence, these patients are often preventatively excluded from MRI investigations. The issue has been studied for several years now, in order to identify the mechanisms involved in heat generation, and define safety conditions by which MRI may be extended to patients with active implants. In this sense, numerical studies not only widen the range of experimental measurements, but also model a realistic patient's anatomy on which it is possible to study individually the impact of the many parameters involved. In order to obtain reliable results, however, each and every numerical analysis needs to be validated by experimental evidence. Aim of this paper was to design and validate through experimental measurements, an accurate numerical model, which was able to reproduce the thermal effects induced by a birdcage coil on human tissues containing a metal implant, specifically, a PM. The model was then used to compare the right versus left pectoral implantation of a PM, in terms of power deposited at the lead tip. This numerical model may also be used as reference for validating simpler models in terms of computational effort.
Insights
This study developed and validated a numerical model to assess MRI-induced heating in patients with pacemakers (PMs). The model helps compare pectoral implantation sites, aiding safer MRI for patients with active implants.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Physics
- Radiology
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) poses risks of tissue heating for patients with pacemakers (PMs).
- Preventative exclusion of these patients from MRI limits diagnostic capabilities.
- Understanding heat generation mechanisms is crucial for establishing safe MRI conditions for active implant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and experimentally validate a numerical model simulating MRI-induced thermal effects.
- To reproduce thermal effects in human tissues with a pacemaker (PM) implant using a birdcage coil.
- To compare power deposition at the PM lead tip for right versus left pectoral implantation.
Main Methods:
- Development of a validated numerical model for MRI thermal effect simulation.
- Experimental validation using phantom studies with a metal implant (PM) and birdcage coil.
- Comparative analysis of PM lead tip power deposition based on implantation laterality.
Main Results:
- The numerical model accurately reproduced thermal effects induced by MRI on tissues with a PM.
- Significant differences in power deposition were observed between right and left pectoral PM implantations.
- The validated model serves as a benchmark for assessing simpler computational models.
Conclusions:
- A validated numerical model can reliably predict MRI-related thermal effects in patients with PMs.
- Implantation site significantly influences thermal risks at the PM lead tip.
- This research supports the expansion of MRI accessibility for patients with active implants.
