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MRI with ICD
The doctors think I had a mini stroke so I have an MRI scheduled for December. I'm terrified to have the test done, though. I'm afraid that the MRI machine will either rip my ICD out of my body or burn me on the inside. I remember before I had my ICD implanted, I had an MRI done and the nurse walked into the room where the machine was and she had keys on her waist and the machine let off this huge alarm sound because of the metal. That, to me, is a clear warning sign to not go into that room with metal. The arrhythmia doctors said that there have been many successful MRIs with ICDs, but they said every model is different.
So my question is.. has anyone with an ICD had an MRI?
10 Comments
like posted
by walkerd - 2011-11-07 06:11:13
unless you have a MRI Safe unit dont have an MRI. It wont rip it out of your chest but may and can heat the leads up hot enough that it could actually burn fry your heart. I would call the company that manufactured your icd and ask them and get a second opionion. MY Manual specifically states no MRI......I have a Medtronic, I still would be skecptical with a new MRI safe icd, Id have to say show me the results and it would be in writing from someone that it wouldnt hurt me and if it did my better half wouldnt have to work anymore.....
dave
not safe
by Tracey_E - 2011-11-07 06:11:24
Unless you have the new mri safe icd and leads, an mri is not safe. Did the doctor scheduling it know about the icd?? And was your cardiologist consulted? I had a mini stroke last year and they did ct and carotid ultrasound, no mri.
MRI's and devices
by shockbox340 - 2011-11-07 11:11:45
Several leading academic institutions around the world have published data in recent years on their device patients that HAD to have an MRI and have all consistently shown a very low complication rate. It is not without risk, but it is certainly not a guaranteed major problem the way many people envision it.
At this point, there are still a small number of institutions who have adopted a protocol for determining when the risk is worth taking, but they are out there. My advice would be if your doctor is saying you need an MRI, make sure that doctor is at a MAJOR facility (think prestigous teaching insitution, Mayo clinic, etc.) and not some small town, low volume practice. Even with that being said, I think the day will come when there will be enough evidence published where some MRI's will be accepted in device patients.
Good luck!
ONe more comment
by ElectricFrank - 2011-11-08 01:11:23
Something sounds strange that the doc would wait until December to follow up on a mini stroke. By that time the there won't be much to see.
frank
Call Medtronics
by ElectricFrank - 2011-11-08 01:11:40
You should have a Pacemaker ID card which has a phone number to call for information. They will have you in their records as to model of ICD and leads.
Ask them about the safety and procedure concerning an MRI. My experience is that they are helpful and friendly. The facility that will do your MRI should also have cleared it with Medtronics.
The big thing is DON"T LEAVE IT TO CHANCE.
good luck,
frank
About December..
by ekt32 - 2011-11-08 02:11:53
I live in Canada so its pretty normal to wait that long for a test like an MRI. They followed up sooner than that and put me on Pradaxa as a safety measure. But with the CT scan they found an obstruction in my brain from a previous stroke I had (not sure how old it is) so I think they also want to check that out to see what's going on with it.
I just want to clear something up, also - there are NO ICDs that are compatible with MRIs. That is only a PM thing.
I'm working with the best arrhythmia team in Canada (many of them studied at Harvard) so I'm confident that they know what they're talking about. They haven't necessarily let me down yet. I have read articles that say if the proper measures are taken, it can be successful (turning off the shock therapy, making sure the MRI machine is at a low frequency, etc).
How long does it take for the machine to get hot? Because maybe it won't do any damage if they finish the test before the machine gets too hot.
My goof
by ElectricFrank - 2011-11-09 01:11:01
I read ICD and thought pacemaker. Must be old age catching up!
frank
Harvard - Big stinking deal!!!!!
by donr - 2011-11-09 08:11:49
Emma: Don't let that Harvard degree give you a lot of confidence. I have an MSEE from New Mexico State University - A TRUE COW COLLEGE - & have gone head to head w/ Harvard & MIT grads & made them look like fools. President (General) Dwight D. Eisenhower said it before your parents were born - "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.
You are doing the right thing - investigating the recommended procedure. Get a few opinions from some cow college doctors - thay might be better prepped & LISTEN to you better & think before they answer.
It's not the machine that warms up - it's the wires in your body. The machine puts out a magnetic field that is NOT steady state, so it can induce an electric current in any metal that conducts electricity. I have no idea how fast it can heat your wires, but it is not something that you want to find out by being a guinea pig.
I'm w/Frank - I think it's a bit late to learn much.
Back before MRI's they evaluated your motor reflexes & skills & a bunch of other observables to determine if you had any residual problems. Have YOU noticed anything different? How 'bout your family & friends?
Even if they find something, what can they do about it at this late date? You sure they aren't wanting to do this to merely satisfy their curiosity? Sounds like they are risking your well being for very little potential return.
BTW: Titanium used for PM/ICD cases is NOT a magnetic material, but it is a conductor. Titanium will NOT react to the presence of a magnet, however, a varying magnetic field will induce an electric current in Tirtanium. Steel in keys will react to magnets & can be easily detected by "Metal detectors." I've been in an MRI room holding my wife's shoes - the magnetic field tried to draw them into it & I had to hang on to them or they would have flown into the machine - all for the steel rod in her heels!.
Be wary - be VERY wary..
Don
If you know that your
by walkerd - 2011-11-11 08:11:22
ICD as you call your defibulator is not compatible with an MRI why would you listen to a doctor that says you can have an MRI even if he or she has a Harvard Degree????
ICD=Implantable Cardiac Device
Not trying to be a smartbutt, but you type an answer like I am completely stupid.
dave
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You'll come to peace with it in time.
Ask questions!!!
by Pookie - 2011-11-07 05:11:48
It is just my nonprofressional/non-medical opinion - but I'd be asking for several 2nd opinions because I was under the understanding that unless one has the new device - that is MRI compatible - we are never to have an MRI.
I've learned over the years to never 100% trust the first answer a medical professional gives us because they are so busy that half the time they don't even hear what we are saying. I've read where it has been proven that once a patient starts to talk, within the first 11 seconds the doctors tune you out and think they have already figured your problem out. That's sad.
Perhaps I have this tainted opinion because I went through so much 7 yrs ago when I did receive my pacemaker.
But like anything in life: when in doubt - ask a lot of questions!!!!!!
Good luck and keep us posted......ok?
Take care,
Pookie