Initial assessment of PNS safety for interventionalists during image-guided procedures

This study investigates peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) safety thresholds for health professionals performing MRI procedures and the variation of arm rotations in close vicinity to the magnet bore.

Employing two posable human body models, this research utilized quasi-static electromagnetic calculations and neurodynamic simulations to assess PNS thresholds. Different arm rotations are compared for standing interventionalist's posture assuming the supine patient position, typical for medical interventions inside MRI devices.

This study reveals that arm rotations in standing postures result in variations in PNS thresholds. However, for all the arm poses considered, the threshold was at least 2.4 times higher compared to the patient position. Differences in PNS thresholds and electric field distributions were observed between male and female models.

The findings suggest that when the PNS thresholds for imaging subjects are not exceeded, it is likely that a subject leaning into the bore will also not experience PNS. However, variations in PNS thresholds due to arm movements highlight the importance of considering body posture in MRI safety protocols.