Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Recently Implanted Pacemakers

Abstract

With a strong clinical indication and with careful monitoring, MRI imaging is feasible in patients with recently implanted pacemakers, although experience is limited.

MRI of patients with implanted cardiac devices

“…However, concerns for induction of force and torque on the CIED is one of the least likely adverse effects that may be anticipated with MR imaging, and the device leads themselves do not interact with the magnetic field with respect to torque effects. Friedman et al published a series of eight patients with recent device implantation (7–36 days) and no adverse clinical effects, and at least two other studies have published cases of imaging performed with recent (<6 weeks) device implantation . In addition, the large‐scale, multiinstitutional MagnaSafe study did not exclude patients from MRI based on recent device implantation, and their patient cohort included 80 leads that underwent MRI within 90 days of placement, with no primary endpoint events identified .…”

Multicenter study of the safety and effects of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with coronary sinus left ventricular pacing leads

“…The feasibility and safety of MRI scanning in patients with ICDs 3,4,8,9 , abandoned leads 10 , and recent non-CRT device implantation 11 …”

Safety and Outcomes of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Abandoned Pacemaker and Defibrillator Leads

“…In 2008, Mayo Clinic Heart Rhythm Services and the Department of Radiology service introduced a joint clinical protocol to permit MRI scanning of patients with CIEDs who were not pacemaker dependent and had a medically indicated need for MRI of the central nervous system or extremities . Before that date, these patients underwent pulse generator removal for the MRI scan, followed thereafter by reimplantation if clinically appropriate.…”