Caution advised for patients with implant before MRI scans

Kurnool: Medical experts have advised patients to consult their doctors before undergoing an MRI scan. Although MRI scans are generally safe, materials worn during the procedure can pose risks because of the strong magnetic fields generated.

A woman died in Eluru, as the personnel operating the MRI machine did not check whether she had an implanted pacemaker. Older pacemakers, implanted over 10 years ago, may not be compatible with MRI.

Patients with pacemakers must thus check with their doctors to ensure their device is MRI-safe before proceeding with the scan.

Medical experts caution that MRI scans can alter the settings of pacemakers, which are programmed to regulate heart rate. For patients with pacemakers implanted before 2015, the risk of interference with the device is higher.

A pacemaker helps regulate the heart rate, particularly of people whose heart rate drops below 45 beats per minute. Older pacemakers may not be MRI-compatible.

“Patients should consult their cardiologist to ensure their device is MRI-safe before scheduling the scan,” advised Dr. Ch. Prabhakar Reddy, heart and lung surgeon at the Government General Hospital, Kurnool.

Newer pacemakers are, however, MRI-compatible and labelled MRI-safe.

Knowledgeable sources say many diagnostic centres are staffed by technicians, who may not fully understand the risks associated with certain medical devices during MRI scans. They may not be aware of the potential dangers, especially when it comes to implanted devices like pacemakers.

"It is important for patients to choose a diagnostic centre, where doctors supervise the scanning process to ensure safety," said Maheswara Rao, a private diagnostic centre operator.

Incidentally, ahead of the scan, patients are asked to remove all metal objects, including jewellery, watches and belts, before the procedure.