MRI in patients with cardiac devices

Abstract

Given the advances of MRI and cardiovascular technology, it is becoming increasingly likely that a patient with a cardiovascular device will be a candidate for an MRI procedure. However, many cardiac devices are currently considered to be contraindicated in the MR environment. This may prove to be a significant public health problem as many patients in need of MRI are denied the procedure because of the presence of a cardiovascular device. However, research studies have shown that with proper precautions and technique patients with cardiac devices can undergo successful MRI safely on the current platforms.