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MRI with pacemaker - Is it safe?
Hello, I have had my Medtronic dual chamber pacemaker for five years. I possibly have a tear in my knee and so I am considering getting an MRI for diagnostic purposes but it is not imperative that I do this. Has anyone with a pacemaker (preferably a dual chamber), had an MRI? Please share your experience with the process, where was it done and risks associated with this. Thank you
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Many Medtronic pacemakers are MRI-compatible. I've had mine for over 8 years, and I've had several MRIs during that time. A Medtronic rep usually comes into the hospital just prior to the procedure and puts the MRI in some kind of special mode for the MRI and then returns it to normal mode after the MRI. Never had a problem with it.
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2 ReactionsThank you for your reply; it is helpful!
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1 ReactionAlso have a Medtronic no issues. You can always check with the person giving you the MRI or surely a quick call to Medtronic which I have done
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1 Reaction@lmclaugh Hi I didn't have a Medtronic so this may not apply. Mine was a Boston Scientific and was in planted in 2013. I have since had a heart transplant and it was removed but prior to the removal they tried an MRI and it was unsuccessful. Mine was a pacemaker with defibulator. The reflections we're too severe to get a good look at my heart which is what they were looking at. They did have a tech there from Boston Scientific and a cardiologist to shut it off and monitor me while it was off. I have heard tho that the newer pacemakers are capable of MRI so maybe yours is one of those. I'm not sure what the duel chamber is in reference to so I don't know if mine was. Mine was a 3 lead with defibulator is how I was told. If I can help with anything else please let me know.
Blessings
Dana
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1 ReactionYes, it sounds like a different model but still helpful information. Thank you
You may find these reputable articles helpful:
- Mayo Clinic: New protocols allow for MRI in selected patients with pacemakers https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/cardiovascular-diseases/news/new-protocols-allow-for-mri-in-selected-pacemaker-patients/mac-20430571
- Harvard Health: MRI is safe for most people with pacemakers and defibrillators https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/mri-is-safe-for-most-people-with-pacemakers-and-defibrillators
@lmclaugh, have you reached out to your cardiologist to confirm whether you can get an MRI?
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2 ReactionsRecent articles from Mayo Clinic and. Harvard indicate modern pacmakers allow for MRI. Older pacemakers may be more vulnerable. Best bet is to ask your cardiologist.
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1 ReactionThank you
I find this information about MRIs and pacemakers very helpful. Thank you. I have had a CT scan. Apparently, this process preferred by some doctors. I will be making my call to Medtronics in Canada.
I have a 2017 Medtronic Astra XT DR MRI SureScan (dual chamber) that was installed in 2021. Since then, I've had two MRI exams. Both times, the Medtronic Rep would put my PM in MRI mode which forces my heart rate at a steady 80 bpm for a 24-hour period or until manually put back to its normal operating mode.
The feeling is quite jarring as I can feel the forced rythm, and it causes me some light dizziness, but the feeling goes away as soon as the PM goes back to normal (50 bpm). I always rest for 15 minutes after the reset before leaving the hospital. I hope this helps a bit. 🙂
Cheers!