Aneurysm clips made of titanium: magnetic characteristics and artifacts in MR.

PURPOSE To evaluate the magnetic characteristics, artifact formation, and implant safety of titanium aneurysm clips for use in MR imaging.

METHODS Aneurysm clips made of titanium alloy TiAl6V4 were tested in a magnetometer to determine their magnetic susceptibility and in a 1.5-T MR imager using both a geometric phantom and an animal model. A commercially available alpha-Phynox clip served as the reference standard.

RESULTS We found minimal magnetization and a significant reduction in image artifacts with the titanium clip as compared with the Phynox clip.

CONCLUSION The titanium clips improve image quality, biocompatibility, and patient safety in medical MR applications.