MRI Safety for Patients with Coronary & Vascular Stents
April 2007
We provide for you, our patients, state-of-the-art diagnostic MagneticResonance Imaging (MRI) imaging in a safe environment. In particular, compared with conventional X-rays and Computed tomography (CT scan), MRI has the unique advantage of providing outstanding diagnostic images without the risk of ionizing radiation.
What about those patients who have coronary stent(s)?
At the time of the posting of this page, (April 2007), the latest information is that coronary stents may be scanned on our 1.5T MRI units at any time, including immediately after the coronary stent has been placed in a patient. Previously, we had waited approximately 6 to 8 weeks after these stents were placed before performing an MRI. However, new recommendations from authoritative national MRI safety experts have reported that this waiting period is not necessary and patients with coronary stents can be scanned at any time as can patients with all known types of artificial heart valves.
What about other Arterial Stents?
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) stents or stent grafts are large stents which need to be properly identified and checked for their MRI compatibility using national testing references to determine if they safe to undergo MRI scanning. For example the “Zenith AAA stent is NOT MRI compatible whereas others are safe for MRI scanning.
Most patients with placement of stents in the smaller arteries in the pelvis or lower extremities can undergo MRI scanning. Exceptions may include patients who have had multiple stents placed one after the other.
Medical safety in general and MRI safety in particular, is a continually growing and evolving science. Prior to your MRI study, tell our staff your complete medical history, including any and all implanted medical devices. If you have documentation of the specific biomedical device implanted in your body (a report or information card given to you after your procedure), please bring it with you to your MRI appointment. Our staff will review your specific medical history and guide you to the safest and most diagnostic imaging tool for your individual circumstance.
Please note: These should be regarded as general safety guidelines. Every case is unique and patients are advised to speak to their personal physicians before undergoing tests about which there may be questions.