Simplifying MRI workflow for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices: Technologies for automatic MRI...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly safe for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).
• Current workflows involving pre- and post-scan interrogations for CIEDs during MRI are resource-intensive.
• There is a need to optimize these workflows for efficiency and patient access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe available MRI mode-switching technologies for CIEDs.
• To assess the impact of these technologies on MRI workflow efficiency.
• To analyze institutional data on CIED-MRI scans.

Main Methods:

• Review of CIED MRI mode-switching technologies.
• Analysis of CIED-MRI scans conducted at the institution from 2017-2024.
• Modeling of workload reductions associated with broader automation.

Main Results:

• Three classes of CIED MRI mode-switching technologies were identified: manual programming, automatic detection (time-limited window), and always-on 24/7 detection.
• Out of 132,166 scans, 414 (0.3%) involved CIEDs, with most using manual programming.
• Automation strategies showed potential for significant reductions in device checks (8.7% observed, with modeling predicting 25-30% fewer checks).

Conclusions:

• Automatic MRI mode-switching technologies can streamline workflows and enhance access for CIED patients undergoing MRI.
• These technologies offer potential improvements in efficiency without compromising patient safety.
• Wider adoption, especially with remote monitoring integration, may further improve patient care outcomes.