MRI and leads

If your pm is not MRI compatible can you change it out at next replacement for an MRI compatible one? Or would that do no good because the leads will still be the old ones? Looking at upcoming diagnostic knee surgery because I can't get a decent imaging study. Trying cortisone injection first but if it is a large tear I'm just delaying a needed repair. If its a small tear it might heal on its own so surgery would be just be done because I can't have an MRI. Not real happy with my EP right now and wish I had spelled it out for him prior to pm placement. Oh wait, I did and he still chose the old school pm.

7 Comments

leads

by Tracey_E - 2014-02-08 06:02:16

Yes, the leads need to be compatible, also. However, more and more facilities are getting the ability to do mri's on old pm's and leads.

There are disadvantages to having the mri-compatible pm's. There aren't many to choose from, sometimes another type is best for us. Also, not every hospital can do an mri on an mri-compatible pm, it has to be done under particular circumstances.

I have no idea if your dr had a good reason for giving you the regular kind or was just being a jerk, just pointing out there are shades of gray.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/clinical-updates/cardiovascular/new-protocols-allow-mri-selected-pacemaker-patients

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/Dec/03/recent-study-shows-pacemaker-mri-compatible/

Try looking up Johns Hopkins...

by donr - 2014-02-08 06:02:59

... for doing the job.

I think they are doing them for folks in your boat. JH is probably just as far/close as Mayo in MN.

Don

Thanks!

by Bostonstrong - 2014-02-08 07:02:51

I looked up those articles. The preop nurse before the implant told me I could get an MRI but it would have to be at St Vincent's after extensive conversations between the dr ordering it and the EP. The EP told me afterward no it couldn't be done. I think extensive conversations is the issue, if you can't have one during your 3 min visit they aren't going to use billable time for extensive conversations with another dr. Not looking forward to another surgery.

BS

by jeanlancour - 2014-02-09 01:02:40

Don't give up you enjoy running way to much!! Good luck Jean

Conversations

by golden_snitch - 2014-02-09 03:02:54

Hi!

Try to talk to them again. I mean, this is not even an MRI close to the heart, it's your knee.

If you want an MRI-conditional pacer, the whole old system including the leads would need to be replaced. The unit isn't the problem, but the leads are. Leaving the old in, is no option, because old leads that are not connected to a pacer are more likely to become a problem when doing an MRI than old leads that are connected. At least that's what I heard. However, I do have one old, not connected lead, and two epicardial leads, and at the Heart Centre where I'm being seen they would do an MRI if needed. Of course, they would take certain precautions, and follow a protocol, but they'd do it.

Good luck!

Inga

knee surgery

by ohiolaura - 2014-02-09 08:02:11

Don't be too worried about the knee,I had a tear in the meniscus 2 yrs ago,didnt do anything serious to tear it,it just happened.I didn't have my PM at the time,so I did have a MRI done,and the Dr saw the tear,went in and fixed it,and after awhile it was good again.
My brother lived with a tear for too long before getting it repaired,thinking it would resolve itself,which it didn't,then got it done,and good as new now.
I don't believe injections help with a meniscus tear,just need to go in and trim off the floating stuff,so the irritation is gone.
Good luck,if its a tear,youll be better after.
Laura

Thanks

by Bostonstrong - 2014-02-09 11:02:34

The worst part is not being able to run. The ortho doc asked me not to walk either so I'm trying to rest it as much as possible but have been doing very short slow stints on the treadmill a few times a day. Sitting is so deadly to cardiovascular health and my body is used to long training runs. So I'm trying to rest the knee as much as possible but can't deal with that much inactivity.
Inga my EP takes 3 weeks to return a phone call, he is really not much help beyond implanting the pm. I always feel guilty when I do call because I know he has seriously ill patients to deal with.
Looks like I will suck it up and get the surgery done when I get back from California.

You know you're wired when...

You have a shocking personality.

Member Quotes

Life does not stop with a pacemaker, even though it caught me off guard.