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Breast Tissue Expanders with Magnetic Ports: Clinical Experience at 1.5 T
Nanda Deepa Thimmappa1,2, Martin R Prince1,2, Kari L Colen1,2
1New York and Mt. Kisco, N.Y.; Hakensack and Paramus, N.J.; and Greenwich, Conn.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|November 24, 2016
Summary
Patients with magnetic port breast tissue expanders can safely undergo abdominal/pelvic MRI. This study found no complications or migration during magnetic resonance angiography before autologous breast reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Breast tissue expanders with magnetic ports are often labeled "MR Unsafe".
- Pre-autologous breast reconstruction requires abdominal/pelvic imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety of magnetic port breast tissue expanders during abdominal/pelvic magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).
- To assess potential risks before autologous breast reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- 71 patients with magnetic port tissue expanders underwent 1.5 T abdominal/pelvic MRA.
- Patients were monitored for symptoms; tissue expanders were examined post-removal.
- Image artifacts were assessed on various MRI sequences.
Main Results:
- No patients experienced tissue expander or magnetic port migration.
- No pain was reported by patients during the MRI scans.
- Surgeons found no evidence of tissue damage or operative complications upon expander removal.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal/pelvic MRA at 1.5 T is safe for patients with specific magnetic port breast tissue expanders.
- This imaging modality can be safely used for perforator vessel mapping prior to autologous flap breast reconstruction.
