MRI Studies Can Be Performed Safely in Patients with Implantable Cardiac Devices

Patients were monitored carefully during magnetic resonance imaging procedures and had no apparent problems.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies usually are avoided in patients with implantable cardiac devices because of safety concerns. In this prospective study conducted at one U.S. center and one Israeli center, investigators evaluated whether MRI studies could be performed safely at the commonly used magnetic strength of 1.5 T in patients with implantable cardiac devices who had clinical indications for MRI. The protocol involved changing pacing mode as indicated and disabling tachyarrhythmia functions; symptoms, blood pressure, electrocardiography, and oximetry were monitored by experienced clinicians.

Overall, 438 patients with pacemakers (54%) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs; 46%) who underwent 555 MRI studies participa…

Reviewing Author

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose