The effects of magnetic resonance imaging on implantable pulse generators

The effects of magnetic resonance imaging were assessed on four dual chamber and two single chamber pulse generators. The tests were performed with a resistive, water-cooled magnet operating at 0.15 T. The 6.4-MHz radiofrequency (RF) field was operated at a maximum power of 1,000 watts with a period adjusted from 130 to 500 ms. Reed switch closure occurred in all six pulse generators tested when placed near the entrance of the magnetic resonance imaging scanner, and the generators reverted to asynchronous operation unless programmed to the "magnet off" mode. None of the pulse generators exhibited any alterations in programmed parameters or in the ability to be reprogrammed after RF pulsing. When the RF field was turned on, there was no change in the asynchronous paced cycle length in four pulse generators; however, during RF scanning there was rapid cardiac stimulation at the RF pulse period in one single chamber and one dual chamber pulse generator.