An additional step in the preoperative and preprocedural evaluation of a patient undergoing an MRI is the determination of any medical implants that the patient might have. An array of medical implants is possible. Examples of medical implants include: aneurysm clips, heart valves, pacemakers, defibrillators, spinal cord stimulators, stents, coils, prosthetic joints, filters, ESSURE device, deep brain stimulator (DBS). Implants can induce currents and heat depending on characteristics of the implant. The stronger magnetic field associated with MRI machines can influence movement of certain implants. Ferromagnetic materials are susceptible to movement within magnetic fields. Non-ferromagnetic materials, such as titanium, nitinol, and stainless steel, are unable to be manipulated by magnetic fields. In addition to potential movement, implants can be damaged and image artifacts can be observed. With the array of medical implants available, the implant manufacturer provides safety profiles for individual implants.
References
- Practice Advisory on Anesthetic Care for Magnetic Resonance Imaging: An Updated Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Anesthetic Care for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Anesthesiology 2015;122(3):495-520. Link
- Shellock, F. G. (2002), Magnetic resonance safety update 2002: Implants and devices. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging, 16: 485–496. Link
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