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AJNR - American Journal of Neuroradiology

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American Journal of Neuroradiology 27:661-665, March 2006
© 2006 American Society of Neuroradiology

Technical Note
BRAIN

Programmable CSF Shunt Valve: In Vitro Assessment of MR Imaging Safety at 3T

F.G. Shellock^a, R. Habibi^b and J. Knebel^c

^a Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California and Institute for Magnetic Resonance Safety, Education, and Research, Los Angeles, Calif
^b Beverly Hills 3T Imaging and Research Center, Beverly Hills, Calif
^c Christoph Miethke GmbH & Co. KG, Potsdam, Federal Republic of Germany

Address correspondence to Frank G. Shellock, PhD, Institute for Magnetic Resonance Safety, Education, and Research, 7511 McConnell Ave, Ste 100, Los Angeles, CA 90045

SUMMARY: A programmable CSF shunt valve was assessed for magnetic field interactions, heating (transmit-receive body radio-frequency coil; whole-body averaged specific absorption rate, 2.1 W/kg), functional alterations, and artifacts at 3T. The programmable valve showed minor magnetic field interactions and heating was not excessive (+0.8°C). The function of the programmable valve was not altered by multiple exposures to the 3T scanner or from exposure to various MR imaging conditions. Therefore, this implant is safe for a patient undergoing MR imaging at 3T or less when the radiologist follows specific safety guidelines. Artifacts for the programmable valve were relatively large in relation to the size and shape of the valve; this finding may impact the diagnostic use of MR imaging if the area of interest is in proximity to this implant.