A recent “Sentinel Alert” from the Joint Commission addressing the prevention of accidents and injuries in the MRI suite stated: More »

Determining the safety of MRI for patients who are implanted with hemodynamic monitoring or temporary pacing devices, including epicardial pacing wires and intracardiac pacing leads, requires careful consideration. More »

The application of a scleral buckle (note, this is a procedure, not an implant), or “scleral buckling,” is a surgical technique used to repair retinal detachments. It was first used experimentally by ophthalmic surgeons in 1937. By the early 1960s, scleral buckling had become the method of... More »

Most orthopedic implants are made from nonferromagnetic materials and, therefore, tend to be acceptable for patients undergoing MRI examinations. In vitro testing conducted at 1.5T and 3T has verified the safe aspects of orthopedic devices with regard to magnetic field interactions (see... More »

Various hemostatic vascular clips, other types of clips, fasteners, and staples evaluated for magnetic field interactions have been found to be acceptable for patients undergoing MR imaging procedures at 1.5T or less. These implants are made from nonferromagnetic materials such as tantalum, nitinol,... More »

Other studies confirm value of vertebroplasty, show growing influence of diffusion tensor imaging More »

MR elastography could provide noninvasive diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis, according to researchers in Belgium and Minnesota. The technique could lead to earlier detection in patients at risk and reduce the need for biopsy. More »

MR spectroscopy imaging is highly accurate for early detection of prostate cancer in asymptomatic patients, with 87% sensitivity and 93% specificity, according to new research from Spain. More »

Most orthopedic implants and materials do not pose problems for patients undergoing MRI procedures. MRI may be hazardous for external fixation systems, however, because of the length of the implant or the formation of a conductive loop. More »