MRI compatible pacemaker

I was wondering if someone out there has had an MRI with their MRI compatible pacemaker? I am due for my annual breast MRI and have had my pm for two months. Not sure what the protocol is, would I contact my EP to inform them of upcoming scan? I would appreciate any information you would have to offer. Thank you ahead of time. I have learned so much from this site and appreciate all of you for sharing your thoughts, feelings, & experiences:-). Take care

6 Comments

I did

by Theknotguy - 2014-02-05 06:02:07

I actually had an MRI within a month of getting my PM. No big deal. In fact I asked if I was supposed to have an MRI and everyone gave a bored reply that I was OK for the scan. It was a zilch, zero, nada, nothing. In fact I had more trouble lying down flat on the MRI table (busted rib) than I had with the MRI itself.

As it turned out the hospital staff was well aware of the MRI compatible PM's so no problem. However, there have been posts on this forum where people have run into a lot of problems because the MRI staff doesn't understand the situation.

I'd start now by calling the hospital (or whatever) who is going to do the MRI. See if they're aware of MRI compatible PM's, have the staff who know what to do, and what protocol you need to follow. That way you won't show up the day of the MRI and get a nasty surprise. Even with the call ahead, I'd see if you could talk with someone on the MRI staff. Hopefully they would be there the day of the MRI and be able to help guide you through the procedure.

Hope everything goes well for you.

Theknotguy

Thank you

by SparkyNoel - 2014-02-05 07:02:10

I appreciate the advice. I will put it to use. I have read information on my particular pm & it said something about "turning the MRI SureScan program to on" before MRI then "turning it off" after MRI w/program 2090? Very confusing to me. I have read a lot of your posts/comments & know you have a wealth of knowledge regarding pacemakers. There is a lot of information to absorb especially since it is still so new to me. Just want to be safe. Thanks again! So glad to know you did not have any issues r/t the pm from the MR.

MRI

by Jackcouo - 2014-02-05 07:02:23

Technotguy is right its no big deal. I also had an MRI several months after getting my pacer. I just told the nurses and they took it from there.
Jackcoul

MRI

by Alma Annie - 2014-02-05 07:02:59

I don't have a compatible pm, and could not have an MRI after having a TIA. For interest I was told that even if I did have a compatible one there was no way they would give one. This is in a big teaching hospital, they said there could still be problems. I think they need a bit more education on the subject.
Alma Annie

I did; no problem

by LisB - 2014-02-05 09:02:53

I had an MRI with my MRI compatible Metronix PM which I received in Ireland (while on vacation). My American cardiologist told me that Ireland is issuing pacemakers that are two generations ahead of the US ones. I have no idea if that is a fact, but it is what he said.
I would inform the staff ahead of time though. Then they know and you don't have to give it another thought.

MRI

by ChristieD - 2014-02-06 11:02:19

I have a Medtronic Surescan. I haven't had to have an MRI yet but I'm athletic and have had to have several in the past so my cardio recommended it. He & my PM rep both told me it would be no big deal but the PM rep would need to be there for the scan. It had something to do with the settings.

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