Do we need MR conditional pacemakers?

TL;DRAbstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely accepted tool for the diagnosis of a variety of disease states. However, due to safety concerns the presence of an implanted cardiac pacemaker is considered to be a contraindication to MRI in most medical centres. The increasing number of implanted pacemakers and the estimated over 50% probability that a pacemaker patient may be a candidate for an MRI increase the need for safe scanning of pacemaker patients. Over the last ten years a major effort has been made to understand the potential risks. The influences from the three electromagnetic fields on pacemakers are versatile and will be summarised. The research in this area has helped to predict the risks of an MRI scan in patients with conventional pacemakers, and has also stimulated pacemaker manufacturers to improve their devices with the goal of providing MR conditional devices. Since autumn 2008 the first approved MR conditional pacemakers have been on the market and other devices are l

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