MRI

In the discussion of the effects of having a MRI done with a pacermaker I'm not to sure about the ones dated before 2013 but the newer pacemakers 2013 and up are MRI safe as of the ICD that is a discussion you will have with a professional on that subject..Just remember they have your medical history and plus you can also let them know you have a pacer or an ICD and everything will be fine. I have done plenty on research on my PM since I had it. It is for everyone to use free time to get to know your device. It one takes 10 to 15 mins a week to do alittle research. Less questions and worries can be at ease if you just take the extra step to educate yourself better on your health issue and device. thanks for reading

2 Comments

MRI

by golden_snitch - 2014-01-05 03:01:52

Hi Troy!

Not all new pacers/ICDs/CRTs are MRI conditioned. You can still get almost all models in the non-MRI-conditioned version. Most manufacturers offer one or two models that are MRI-conditioned, the whole rest isn't - at least not officially. The officially "safe" ones are a LOT more expensive than the ones that are not safe. So, it's often also a question of costs, I can imagine, especially in the U.S. healthcare system.

All devices manufactured after 2002 - that's what I heard at an expert lecture - are MRI-safe, but not officially, so without FDA approval. If you follow a special protocol, several studies suggest that even patients with these devices can safely undergo an MRI, if necessary.

Regarding the research and educating yourself about your device, I definitely agree with you. There often are questions posted here that the person could have found the answer to within minutes with a simple Google search. So, I would also suggest that whenever a question pops up, do a quick search with a search engine, then use the search function for this forum - lots of questions have been posted and answered numerous times before -, and only if you cannot get an answer, post a message.

Best

Inga

MRI

by Bryony - 2014-01-06 08:01:41

Hi,
As Inga says NOT all pacemakers being implanted are MRI conditional. They are usually reserved for the younger population where the radiation of having a CT rather than an MRI for a problem would be more of an issue.
I am 55 and when I asked for a conditional pacemaker was asked why it was so important to me as they are usually reserved for younger patients.(I am still waiting for it 6 months after 1st presenting with a problem)
In the UK we only scan patients with conditional pacemakers, not any other type and those only under very strict conditions.
Bryony

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