Rationale and objective: Ex vivo testing is necessary to characterize implants to determine if it is safe for the patient to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate MR safety for an implantable microstimulator in association with a 1.5 Tesla MR system.
Methods: A microstimulator (RF BION, Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research, Valencia, CA) was evaluated for magnetic field interactions and MRI-related heating. The functional aspects of this implant were assessed immediately before and after exposure to MRI (15 different pulse sequences). Artifacts were also characterized.
Results: Magnetic field interactions exhibited by the microstimulator will not pose a hazard after a suitable postimplantation period has elapsed. Temperature changes will not pose a risk. The function of the microstimulator was unaffected by MRI. Artifacts will only create a problem if the area of interest is in proximity to this implant (largest artifact area: T1-weighted spin echo, 2291 mm2; gradient echo, 3310 mm2).
Conclusion: The overall findings indicated that it is safe for a patient with the microstimulator to undergo MRI at 1.5 Tesla by following specific safety guidelines described herein.