Programmable infusion pump and catheter: evaluation using 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Radiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Programmable infusion pumps and catheters are used for drug delivery.
• 3-Tesla (3T) MRI offers advanced imaging but requires safety assessments for implanted devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and potential issues of a programmable infusion pump and its catheters during 3T MRI.
• To assess magnetic field interactions, heating, functional changes, and image artifacts.

Main Methods:

• Tested a MedStream Programmable Infusion Pump and SureStream catheters under 3T MRI conditions.
• Evaluated magnetic field interactions, radiofrequency coil heating, and pump function changes.
• Assessed artifacts using T1-weighted spin-echo and gradient-echo sequences.

Main Results:

• Minor magnetic field interactions and non-excessive heating (≤1.9°C) were observed.
• Temporary functional alterations occurred in 50% of pumps, all resettable.
• Significant artifacts were noted for the pump, minor for the catheter.

Conclusions:

• The programmable infusion pump and catheters pose no increased risk during 3T MRI if safety guidelines, including post-MRI interrogation, are followed.
• Pump-induced artifacts may affect diagnostic MRI utility in nearby regions.