Access to MRI in Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices is Variable and an Issue in Australia

This study aimed to characterise the level of access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Australian hospitals for patients with MR-conditional and non-MR-conditional cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED), and to identify any barriers impeding this access.

All Australian Tertiary Referral Public Hospitals (n=38) were surveyed with a mixed qualitative and quantitative questionnaire. Provision of MRI to patients with MR-conditional and non-MR-conditional CIEDs; patient monitoring strategies during scan and personnel in attendance; barriers impeding MRI access.

Of the 35 (92%) hospitals that completed the survey, a majority (85.7%) scan MR-conditional CIEDs, while a minority (8.6%) scan non-MR-conditional CIEDs. MR-conditional device scanning is often limited to non-pacing dependent patients, excluding implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. In total, 21% of sites exclude thoracic MR scans for CIED patients. Although most centres scan on 1.5 Tesla (T) machines (59%), 10% scan at 3T and 31% scan at both strengths. Sites vary in patient monitoring strategies and personnel in attendance; 80% require staff with Advanced Cardiac Life Support to be present. Barriers to service expansion include an absence of national guidelines, formal training, and logistical device support.

Most surveyed Australian hospitals offer MRI for patients with MR-conditional CIEDs, however many still have exclusions for particular patient groups or scan requests. Only three surveyed sites offer MRI for patients with non-MR-conditional CIEDs in Australia. A national effort is needed to address the identified barriers including the development of national guidelines, formal training, and logistical support.