Introduction
There are over one million patients in Germany who have a pacemaker for various reasons. In the past, a pacemaker was considered a strict contraindication for an MRI scan. Today, however, a large number of MRI examinations of patients with a pacemaker can be safely performed in special centers. Newer pacemaker models are even designed in such a way that they can be considered MRI-suitable. Nevertheless, there are a number of factors to consider when performing an MRI on a patient with a pacemaker.
Is it possible to do an MRT with a pacemaker?
In the past, it was unthinkable to do an MRI on patients with a pacemaker. Today, however, under certain circumstances it is possible to perform certain MRI examinations. Before the examination it is important to check if the pacemaker model fulfills the requirements for an MRI or if it is approved for the planned examination.
The physician receives this information from the pacemaker’s device pass. Furthermore, it is important to check whether the examination is really necessary or whether there is no equivalent alternative examination such as a CT or sonography. An important criterion for performing an MRI is the completed healing of the device.
The implantation should have taken place at least six weeks ago. The MRI scan should only be performed in special centers. The patient should be thoroughly informed about the risks of an MRI examination and the examination conditions should be specially adapted.
During the examination an experienced cardiologist should be present to monitor the examination by ECG and to intervene in case of emergency. Newer pacemakers should be reprogrammed to a special MR mode. With conventional pacemakers certain functions should be disabled. After the examination it is important to reset the pacemaker to its original mode and to make sure that the pacemaker is functioning properly.
How can I see for myself whether my pacemaker is MRI-capable?
After the insertion of a pacemaker, each patient is given a so-called device pass. This should be carried by the patient at all times. The device passport states which pacemaker model has been inserted and whether the device fulfills the requirements for an MRI. The decision whether an MRI can be performed on a patient with a pacemaker should be made by a physician in any case.
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