Page 19 - Virtual Vascular Vol 14
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Most modern clinical MRI scanners operate at static magnetic fields of 1.5 or 3 tesla (T),
roughly corresponding to 30,000 and 60,000 times the strength of the earth’s magnetic
field, respectively. The risk from this strong magnetic field is the attraction of ferromagnetic
objects into the scanner causing movement, torque, dislodgment, or even a projectile effect
that can result in patient injury and damage to the MRI system.
Therefore, some older first generation medical devices with a relatively high content of
ferromagnetic material are MRI incompatible.
Newer devices are MRI conditional, meaning the patient can undergo an MR procedure or
only if specific guidelines or recommendations are followed (e.g. magnetic fields of ≤ 1.5T).
Many newer devices are MRI-compatible e.g. nitinol stents.
The manufacturer of the devices should be consulted before having the MRI.
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