Why is it not possible to do an MRT with most pacemakers?

With many pacemakers and especially older models of pacemakers, an MRI scan is not possible. This is due to the fact that there may be interactions between the strong magnetic field of the MRI and the sensitive electronics of the pacemaker. One danger is that the magnetic field can cause the electrodes of the pacemaker to heat up strongly and damage to the heart tissue. Another danger is that the magnetic field can cause the pacemaker to lose its beat, thus disrupting the regular heart action. The third danger is that the pacemaker is restarted or switched to another mode by the magnetic field.

Is it possible to do an MRT with a defibrillator?

An implanted defibrillator, as used in patients with cardiac arrhythmias, is in principle a contraindication for an MRI examination. However, there are exceptional cases in which an MRI is nevertheless possible. In these cases, the patient should first weigh up the risks and benefits of the examination.

It is also important to check whether an alternative examination method is possible. An MRI is only possible with defibrillator models that are considered suitable for MRI. Furthermore, special caution is required during the examination. An experienced cardiologist should be present and the defibrillator must be reprogrammed to a certain mode.

What are the risks if I use a pacemaker to do an MRI?

An MRI machine works with the help of a strong magnetic field. The risks of MRI in patients with a pacemaker are all based on interactions between the magnetic field and the sensitive electronics of the device. Patients with a pacemaker are dependent on the device monitoring the heartbeat and intervening in case of irregularities.

During an MRI examination, the magnetic field can interfere with the function of the pacemaker and thus possibly lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmia for the patient.Another risk is the heating of the electrodes of the pacemaker by the magnetic field. This can lead to tissue damage to the heart. Due to the risks mentioned above, a risk-benefit analysis should always be carried out before an MRI examination and it should be checked whether there is another imaging procedure that provides the same result as an MRI.