Outcome of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in selected patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).
OBJECTIVE
To determine if simple strategies used to safely scan pacemaker patients could be applied to implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), patients undergoing MRI allowing ICD patients to undergo MRI as well.


METHODS
Screening, reprogramming, and monitoring strategies were used to facilitate MRI.


RESULTS
Seven patients underwent eight MRI scans at 1.5 T. Post-MRI, all devices demonstrated no change in pacing, sensing, impedances, charge times, or battery status. The patient undergoing a lumbar spine scan experienced a "power-on-reset" of his ICD without permanent impairment of his device.


CONCLUSIONS
Scanning of ICD patients might be performed if appropriate reprogramming and monitoring is implemented.
Gimbel
J Rod
JR
Park West Hospital, 9330 Park West Boulevard, Ste. 202, Knoxville, TN 37923, USA. gimbeljr@ix.netcom.com
Kanal
Emanuel
E
Schwartz
Kerry M
KM
Wilkoff
Bruce L
BL
D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic