Metal heart value

booker, if have information on your specific valve you can look up whether MRI would be safe with your valve. It should be on the card you received 30 years ago, but if you can't find that card, the information is in your medical records. You could have a CT of the valve. Last I heard the longest lasting metal heart valve was 45 years

Thanks for the 45 yr. experience note. Recently I inquired of Abbot and they provided a card which gives serial number and model number, neither of which answers the question about MRI. Several years ago I had two TIA episodes, the second one prompted a hospital to call some medical group to confirm that I could have an MRI of my head, which was done. Did not reveal anything. Now I am considering an MRI Pelvic Floor Exam which apparently is more powerful but it can not be done unless I can find confirmation that my metal heart value will continue working during the procedure. My Supplemental insurer has been notified of the issue. Not clear to me where clarifying information can be found.
I just asked the Question on the internet, and AI responded stating that modern values are made of non-magnetic metals such as titanium or carbon-based materials and will continue to operate without a problem during this type of exam. I will need something more than AI assurance before a technician will perform the procedure.

Hi, @booker.

I agree with @gently that researching the specifics may help you better understand what you’re facing and what questions to ask. I would think there could be several factors that go into how your doctor views the timing.

Have you been reassessed since this was first scheduled, and has your doctor given you any sense of whether anything has changed?

Have your symptoms changed, or is there something else that has you wondering about the wait now?

Waiting until the Doctor receives definite confirmation that this type of exam won't compromise my valve function during the procedure. Meanwhile the AI response was encouraging but of course not from a necessarily reliable or acceptable source.

https://www.mrisafety.com/TMDL_list.php
Yours might be on this list.

Thank you. Search will take awhile. Incredible detail.

booker, I was wondering if Abbot wouldn't have lists of their valves that were unsafe with MRI.

@gently
Thanks, good thought. Will inquire.

@booker, I’ve been following your updates. You’ve now been able to identify the manufacturer, model and serial number of your valve as you try to determine whether it is safe for the MRI your doctor wants you to have.

Now that you have that information, I wonder if your doctor or the MRI department may be able to use it to help make that determination. Since you’re also planning to contact Abbott, perhaps they can provide the specific information your medical team needs.

What specifically has your doctor or the MRI department told you they need in order to determine whether you can safely have the MRI?

Before I contact Abbot, on Tuesday I will be giving my Primary Care Dr. all the information I have gathered. I assume the Dr. can use the information provided, check out sources directly, including Abbot, and receive a document that will clear the way for me to undergo the MRI procedure.

The technician who will perform the procedure wants a medical statement certifying that I can have the procedure.