MRI Compatible

Has anyone here had a Pacemaker that is compatible with MRI examinations installed with only ONE lead? My cardiologist attached only one of the two leads and as a result the Pacemaker Manufacturer said that my Pacemaker is not compatible for MRI exams.

2 Comments

Whaaaa?

by Theknotguy - 2014-02-10 10:02:24

Where did that come from? The number of leads shouldn't have anything to do with the MRI. At least not anything that would make sense to me. Of course, I'm not a PM tech either. Anyway....

If your PM is shielded and your leads are shielded I don't see any reason why you couldn't have an MRI.

Sometimes the local reps make those calls off the cuff. Question in my mind is if you could contact the PM manufacturer directly and get a second opinion? I've talked with the local techs, have gotten one answer, called the company directly and have gotten a slightly different answer. The local reps will come down on the conservative side whereas the company has a broader view.

My PM is MRI compatible and I've had a MRI. No big deal. In fact I had more trouble with lying on the exam table because of a busted rib. The actual MRI was no big deal.

Hope you get a better answer.

Theknotguy

Not connected

by golden_snitch - 2014-02-12 11:02:56

Hi!

With regards to non-MRI conditional pacemakers and leads I have heard and read that leads which are not connected to a pacemaker impose a risk during an MRI.
Here's a quite recent study about this:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21274985

It might be true for MRI-conditional leads, too, or they haven't tested this, yet, and are therefore rather careful. If they haven't tested MRI-conditional leads that are not connected to a pacer during an MRI, but they tell you it's safe, and then something happens, the company can be taken to the court. I'm sure the manufacturer doesn't want to risk that - especially not in the U.S.

Inga

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker receives radio frequencies.

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