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Published on: August 11, 2017
Assessment of MRI safety issues for stainless steel sutures used for microtia reconstruction
T L Kraai1, R B Loch1, F G Shellock2
1Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 1 University of NM MSC 10 5610, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States.
Introduction:
Potential magnetic resonance imaging issues for stainless steel sutures used for microtia reconstruction could be clinically significant for safety and diagnostic yield considerations. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to assess magnetic resonance issues (magnetic field interactions, heating, and artifacts) for different types of stainless steel sutures used for microtia reconstruction.
Methods:
Small gauge, commonly used stainless steel sutures from four different manufacturers (5/0 Steelex, Aesculap/B, Braun Medical, Inc.; Nagata 38 Gauge Microtia Wire, Bear Medical Corporation; Auricular Reco Wire, Medicon Surgical Inc.; and 5-0 B&S 35 Surgical Steel Suture, Ethicon, Inc.) were tested using standardized ex vivo techniques to assess magnetic field interactions, heating, and artifacts at 3 Tesla. Before testing, the stainless steel sutures were configured in a manner same as that for cartilage reconstruction used to treat microtia.
Results:
Each stainless steel suture exhibited minor magnetic field interactions at 3 Tesla (translational attraction, deflection angle <10°, and no torque). Heating associated with a whole-body averaged specific absorption rate of 2.9 W/kg was not excessive (highest temperature changes, ≤1.8 °C). Artifacts were relatively minor in relation to the size and shape of each stainless steel suture (artifact size in relation to the size and shape of each stainless steel suture extending ≤5 mm).
Conclusions:
The stainless steel sutures that underwent testing do not present additional risks to patients in a 3-Tesla or less magnetic field setting (i.e., magnetic resonance conditional). Artifacts for these sutures may only be an issue within close proximity to the reconstructed ear.
Insights
Stainless steel sutures used for microtia reconstruction are safe for 3-Tesla MRI scans, showing minimal magnetic interactions and heating. Artifacts are minor and localized near the reconstructed ear, posing no significant patient risk.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Medical Imaging Physics
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Stainless steel sutures are utilized in microtia reconstruction.
- Potential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) issues with these sutures may impact patient safety and diagnostic accuracy.
- Assessing these MRI-related risks is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate magnetic field interactions, heating effects, and image artifacts associated with stainless steel sutures used in microtia reconstruction.
- To determine the safety and compatibility of these sutures in a 3-Tesla MRI environment.
Main Methods:
- Four types of commonly used small-gauge stainless steel sutures were tested ex vivo.
- Standardized techniques were employed to assess magnetic field interactions, heating, and artifacts at 3 Tesla.
- Suture configurations mimicked their use in cartilage reconstruction for microtia.
Main Results:
- All tested stainless steel sutures demonstrated minor magnetic field interactions (deflection angle <10°, no torque).
- Heating effects were not excessive, with maximum temperature changes ≤1.8°C at a specific absorption rate of 2.9 W/kg.
- Resulting artifacts were minor relative to suture size (≤5 mm extension).
Conclusions:
- The tested stainless steel sutures are considered magnetic resonance conditional for 3-Tesla or lower field settings.
- These sutures do not pose significant additional risks to patients undergoing MRI.
- Image artifacts may be a localized concern in close proximity to the reconstructed ear.
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