Focused tight dressing does not prevent cochlear implant magnet migration under 1.5 Tesla MRI

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Otolaryngology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cochlear implants (CIs) utilize internal magnets for device function.
• MRI scans pose a potential risk of magnet displacement in CI recipients.

Observation:

• A patient with bilateral Nucleus 5 CIs experienced magnet migration after a 1.5 Tesla MRI.
• A focused head dressing did not prevent the magnet migration.
• Skin alteration over the implant site indicated a complication.

Findings:

• Plain skull radiographs confirmed partial magnet migration and twisting.
• Surgical exploration successfully repositioned the magnet, restoring CI performance.
• The focused dressing was ineffective in preventing magnet migration during MRI.

Implications:

• CI recipients undergoing 1.5 Tesla MRI require counseling on magnet migration risks.
• Plain skull radiography is effective for diagnosing magnet migration post-MRI.
• Timely diagnosis and intervention are essential to prevent device contamination and ensure optimal CI function.