Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
14:59
Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Published on: October 14, 2022
Adjustable cerebrospinal fluid shunt valves in 3.0-Tesla MRI: a phantom study using explanted devices
M Akbar1, A Aschoff, J C Georgi
1Stiftung Orthopädische Universitätsklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. michael.akbar@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Rofo : Fortschritte Auf Dem Gebiete Der Rontgenstrahlen Und Der Nuklearmedizin
|June 22, 2010
Summary
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) safety for adjustable cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt valves at 3.0 Tesla requires further investigation. While heating and magnetic forces were not critical, some valves experienced adjustment failures, impacting patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- High-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems are increasingly common in clinical settings.
- Data on the safety of magnetically adjustable cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt valves in 3.0 Tesla (T) MRI environments is limited.
- Assessing potential interactions between MRI and these devices is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety of magnetically adjustable CSF shunt valves under 3.0 T MRI conditions.
- To investigate MRI-induced imaging artifacts, heating, magnetic forces, and functional changes in explanted shunt valves.
- To model in vivo conditions using explanted devices in a phantom study.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen explanted Codman-Medos and Sophy-SU8 CSF shunt valves were tested.
- Valves were exposed to a 3.0 T static magnetic field.
- Imaging artifacts, heating, magnetic forces (deflection angle), and adjustability/functionality were assessed using standard MRI sequences and procedures.
Main Results:
- Imaging artifacts ranged from 10-70 mm, particularly on T2*w sequences.
- No significant MR imaging-related heating was observed.
- Magnetic forces were not found to be critical.
- Six out of sixteen valves exhibited reproducible adjustment failures.
Conclusions:
- The observed adjustment failures in some CSF shunt valves raise concerns for 3.0 T MRI exposure in hydrocephalic patients.
- Further comprehensive testing is required before definitive recommendations can be made regarding 3.0 T MRI use in patients with these devices.