Ces radiol. 2009, 63(1):9-12

Magnetic resonance imaging with implanted cardiac pacemaker EnRhythm MRI SureScan with MR compatible electrodes CapSureFix MRI - first experienceOriginal article

Josef Vymazal¹, Miloš Táborský², Radovan Žáček¹

¹ Radiodiagnostické oddělení Nemocnice Na Homolce, Praha

² Kardiocentrum, Nemocnice Na Homolce, Praha

Aim: To present first results and experience with the use of a MR-compatible cardiac pacemaker EnRhythm MRI SureScan with MR compatible electrodes CapSureFix MRI.


Material, methods and results. A MR-compatible cardiac pacemaker EnRhythm MRI SureScan with MR compatible electrodes CapSureFix MRI was implanted in 52 patients in a clinical study at Na Homolce Hospital. Twenty-five of these were randomized for MR examination. This cardiac pacemaker is MR compatible only when the defined criteria are met on closed-bore 1,5 Tesla systems: The pacemaker has to be implanted for at least six weeks before scheduling MRI scanning. Before the patient is placed into a MR system, the pacemaker has to be switched into a MR compatible mode by a cardiologist or technician. After the scan the pacemaker is switched back and checked. Specific absorption rate (SAR) for the whole body must not exceed 2.0 W/kg, 3.2 W/kg for the cranial region (of the head 3.2 W/kg), with a slew rate that should not exceed 200 T/m/s.

Conclusion: We recommend checking the type of the pacemaker and electrodes with a chest x-ray before scanning. The scanning isocenter cannot be focused between C1 and T12. All patients have to be monitored during MRI; i.e., ECG or pulse oxymetry or blood-pressure monitoring. The lateral decubitus position is not allowed.

Keywords: MRI, cardiac pacemaker implants, safety

Accepted: March 1, 2009; Published: March 1, 2009  Show citation