1. Pacemakers and MRI An outdated contraindication? Emily Myers Research in Allied Health East Tennessee State University

2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI is rapidly becoming the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis of: –Cancer, tissue abnormalities, MS, and musculoskeletal injuries MRI uses 3 magnetic fields: –One field lines up the proton’s of the body’s water molecules –A second field knocks the protons out of alignment The protons emit “resonance” when return to alignment. Each tissue’s protons have specific resonance to create image

3. Pacemakers Since 1958, over 2 million people have received cardiac pacemakers 100,000 Americans are implanted with a cardiac pacemaker each year

4. Contraindication The increasing number of patients receiving pacemakers, are those most likely to need an MRI. Unfortunately, pacemakers have forever been considered a contraindication of MRI –The magnetic fields can cause: “movement of the generator or leads; temporary or permanent modification of the function of the device; inappropriate sensing, triggering, or activation of the device; excessive heating of the leads, and; induced currents in the leads” (Shellock,2001).

5. New Research Suggests: “MR imaging at 0.5 T can be safely performed in patients with implanted pacemakers in carefully selected clinical circumstances when appropriate strategies are used” (Sommer et al, 2000, 869). “modern pacemakers pose no safety risk to magnetic force and torque induced by MRI at 1.5-Tesla” (Luechinger et al, 2001, 205). “Numerous patients (350+) have now undergone MR imaging during purposeful, monitored procedures performed in order to conduct necessary diagnostic examinations” (Shellock, 2001).

6. Conclusion In performing this study, I sought to answer the question: –Should cardiac pacemakers still be considered a “strict contraindication” of Magnetic Resonance Imaging? Based on my findings in the literature review, along with advances in technology: –I have no reason to doubt that the contraindication between MRI and cardiac pacemakers will soon be an idea of the past.