Magnetresonanztomografie bei Patienten mit Herzschrittmachern und Defibrillatoren: aktueller Stand

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging is generally regarded a contraindication in patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers or cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) due to the risk of severe complications caused by interactions of the magnetic resonance surrounding and the electric devices. However, recent technical advances in conjunction with a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for such potentially life-threatening complications have allowed an increasing number of pacemaker and ICD patients to undergo MRI unharmed over the last years. With the availability of even further advanced, „MR-conditional“ devices, which have entered the market, more pacemaker patients will be allowed to undergo MRI safely in the future. Specific precautions and specifications of these devices should be carefully followed as good as possible, to avoid patient risks that might appear with further increasing indications and patient numbers.

• Literatur

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