MR-conditionality failure modes: a comparison across various spinal cord stimulators

As spinal cord stimulation (SCS) becomes a staple of chronic pain management, the SCS industry must constantly evolve to ensure safety, convenience and enhanced efficacy. Beyond waveforms and size, MR-conditionality is a key differentiator sought out by physicians and patients when choosing SCS devices. Many common SCS complications, including lead migration, can affect the MR-conditionality. The authors reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2024 using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, as well as US FDA labels for magnetic resonance imaging and technical manuals with further confirmation from local representatives. Through extensive review of the literature and direct extraction from each SCS device company, the authors aimed to investigate the specific terms of MR-conditionality under various circumstances. This article provides a collective reference of the MR-conditionality of the currently available SCS devices under normal conditions, as well as with common failure modes, such as lead migration, lead fracture and battery detachment.