title: Cochlear implants as a contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging.
abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging poses little risk to the majority of patients undergoing scanning. However, cochlear implantation should pose a contraindication to this imaging process. This conclusion is based on several findings of in vitro testing of three cochlear implants: the 3M/House and 3M/Vienna designs and the Nucleus device. Specifically, tremendous torques are generated by each of these devices when they are introduced into the coil of a magnetic resonance imager; in addition, the 3M products not only were noted to induce an electrical current, but also were significantly magnetized and rendered afunctional. The clinical implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York Medical College, New York.
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Portnoy
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mattucci
mesh_terms: D003054:Cochlear Implants; D000075202:Contraindications; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011475:Prosthesis Failure