MRI

I`m wondering if anyone has had an MRI scan when fitted with a PM?

I have second stage AV block and I have a Boston Scientific Altrua 20 and fitted with 1 lead.
Since it was put in 3 years ago (my 3rd PM) I have been 100% sensing, 0% pacing.

6 Comments

When a 2.5 v threshold comes to bite you

by Harrie - 2014-06-16 07:06:20

Timely question. I needed an MRI in Feb. but the radiology practice I was referred to wouldn't do it despite the Biotronik Evia ProMRI being MRI conditional. So had a ct with contrast and reacted to the iodine (heart arrhythmia). Now I need an MRI angiogram - found a radiologist who will do it subject to approval from Biotronik and the cardio. Not happy to discover that for "patient safety" you need to have a pacing threshold below 2v. That is what the company submitted to our Therapeutics Goods Administration here in Oz for approval. My ventricular threshold is 2.5v. My ventricular pacing is 0% ( somewhat misleading as that really means anything less than 1%) so I can't see why they couldn't just turn it off for 15 mins.
So short answer - your pm and leads have to be rated as MRI safe, you have to find a radiology practice with the right equipment who are willing to do it ( it requires tech to be in attendance to change the settings before and after), and your settings have to be appropriate - thresholds and impedance. And it appears the pm needs to be in the chest.

MRI

by GrandmaD - 2014-06-16 11:06:53

The general concensus seems to be NO. Always check with all doctors/technicians involved, but probably not.

MRI compatible pacemaker

by Dee224 - 2014-06-16 12:06:04

I had an MRI a few weeks ago for my knee and it was not a problem. I have complete heart block and a Medtronic Revo MRI SureScan Pacemaker. As long as you have a MRI compatible pacemaker you can have it done. However, I am not sure if your pacemaker fits that requirement. You will have to check with your doctor or PM rep to be sure.

The biggest issue I had was getting the insurance to send me to a facility that was actually trained and certified in doing MRI's with a pacemaker. There are certain conditions that need to be met. In my case that meant having it done at a hospital with a PM technician there to make the necessary adjustments. It took a lot of patience on the part of the doctor's office that was requesting the MRI, but finally got it done.

Good luck, and be sure to check with your doctor and/or PM technician.

MRI compatible pm

by flutetooter - 2014-06-16 12:06:52

I am on the Samuri Scientificc Study for Boston Scientific (325 people worldwide) for the MRI compatible Vitalio pacemaker, model K277, implanted Feb. 4, 2014. I have already had the MRI test and all went fine. They keep monitoring me for 5 years. So--the technology is coming. Biotronik also had a similar study in progress. This is NOT a defibrillator.

MRI

by jeanlancour - 2014-06-17 01:06:09

I have a B.S. it is not MRI compatible, I need a MRI of my spine. They are at this time doing MRIs, I believe it is with something Mayo Clinic is doing. The radiologist has to be trained (the whole team) your EP and your cardio have to be in the room and sometimes a rep. I don't at this time know all of the details but I will before its done. My surgeon said they would not do it if it's not safe, they couldn't afford to lose me. Anyway ask every question you can think of, tell them of your fears and don't do anything you are not comfortable with. Best of luck Jean

MRI

by cag5 - 2014-06-21 11:06:00

I also have a Medtronic Revo MRI SureScan Pacemaker. I had a shoulder issue, they tried the MRI but could not get close enough to be able to see what they wanted. Technician said if I needed an MRI of anything below my waist it would not be a problem. I'm not sure if the MRI equipment may factor into this or not. They are constantly making improvements. I know the hospital I had my MRI with recently installed a new and improved MRI machine, so if I ever need one again I'm hopeful it will work!

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