title: In vitro assessment of the Lenz effect on heart valve prostheses at 1.5 T.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Increasing numbers of patients with cardiac valve prostheses are being referred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) despite concerns about the potential for functional valve impedance due to Lenz forces. This study aims to determine, in vitro, the occurrence of Lenz forces on 9 heart valve prostheses at 1.5 T and assess the risk of impedance of valve function.
  
  
  METHODS
  A specially designed hydro-pneumatic system was used to record pressure changes across the valve indicative of any MR induced alteration in leaflet performance. Nine cardiac valve prostheses were exposed to the B0 field at 1.5 T. Each valve was advanced through the B0 field and continuous signals from high frequency pressure transducers were recorded and pressure drops across the valve were assessed using time correction superimposition. The delta p across the valve was assessed as a marker of any MRI induced alteration in leaflet performance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All prostheses produced sinusoidal waveforms. Profiles were asymmetrical and there was no consistency in complex shape and valve type/sub-group. Irregularities in pressure profiles of 4 prostheses were detected indicating resistance of the occluder to the B0 field.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides empirical evidence of the Lenz Effect on cardiac valve prostheses exposed to the MR B0 field causing functional valve impedance and increasing the risk of valvular regurgitation and reduced cardiac output. Thus, it is essential to consider the potential for the Lenz Effect when scanning cardiac valve implant patients in order to safeguard their wellbeing.
authors.affiliation: Department of BioMedical Engineering, University Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Maria-Benedicta
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mclean
authors.forename: Stephanos
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Solomonidis
authors.forename: Barrie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Condon
authors.forename: Terence
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gourlay
mesh_terms: D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Lenz effect; functional valve impedance; heart valve prostheses; magnetic resonance imaging