Unable to get MRI- opinions?

71 yr old male. Had a St. Jude/Abott pacemaker placed 6 years ago. I am 100% paced a have been trying to get MRI for chronic lower back pain. Twice Ive been prepped , gowned ready to go and PM tech turned down my PM and consulted with my Cardiologist. Both times i was told too risky. So 2 questions.. anyone else experience this and second, what other imaging would be beneficial for  a neurologist to examine my issue. Xray does not seem to be adequate for Clinic im trying to get into. All opinions appreciated. 

4 Comments

other options for lower back pain

by new to pace.... - 2023-12-16 16:12:46

You might see a pain specalist .  i have been seeing an acupuncturist,  she has been using low voltage electrical impluses(of course not near my pacemaker) and acupuncture. Plus the PA in the GP's office sent me for a round of PT.

new to pace

MRI and device

by islandgirl - 2023-12-16 23:12:18

Do you have Abbott leads with your Abbott device?  I am also told MRI is too risky for me, even though my leads and device are MRI compliant.  My problem is I have Medtronic and Abbott leads.  I had no idea that would be a problem when the Medtronic device was changed to Abbott and a 3rd lead was added.  The EP never told me there would be a problem, and I later found the hospital did not have a contract with Medtronic at the time I needed my device changed due to battery depleting.

The cardiothoracic surgeon that placed my last device due to complications, also an Abbott, told me he would approve an MRI at the hospital he is affiliated with but I would have to see him immediately after the MRI so he could check the function of the device.  He told me there really is a risk with my 2 different lead manufacturers.  

I am also 100% paced with no intrinsic heartbeat.

I see the cardiothoracic surgeon every 3 months, and at the last appt he made a comment he needs an MRI of my chest.  I believe he's concerned about swelling as I have a vein blocked where the leads go in from the device due to increased swelling in that area.  

Try another hospital.  Speak to your EP again.  

Good luck!

 

Cat Scan alternative?

by Retexan599 - 2023-12-18 14:31:17

Earlier this year had problems with discs in my neck. Knowing that I had a pacemaker, doctor ordered a cat scan which give him the information he needed.  Don't know if that is an option for you or anyone else, but maybe something to ask about.  YMMV as they say on the internet...

legal fears

by dwelch - 2024-01-25 07:33:52

It may be case that no matter what they have legal fears and wont let you in the machine.

You can see if a cat scan will do it or some oher option. 

I have a few year old device but 36 year old leads, so not sure if they are a problem, but expect that they will keep me out of the machines too out of legal fears not technical facts.  Fortunately have not needed to test this theory.

 

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