MRI and Pacemaker

For those who may be anxious about getting an MRI with their pacemaker here is my recent experience:

I received my Medtronic Azure XT DR MRI SureScan pacemaker on 8/12/2023, dual lead, right atrium and ventricle, for symptomatic bradycardia.  100% paced in the right ventricle.  I had an MRI yesterday to investigate my month long back pain and sciatica.  I was fortunate to get an appointment within a week at Hillcrest Hospital in Simpsonville, SC (USA). They normally  schedule at least 6 weeks out because they only do 2 pacemaker MRI's twice a week in the various locations (only hospitals) in the area. My orthopedic spine doctor coordinated with my electrocardiologists to have all the necessary pacemaker info provided to the hospital. I also made sure all my providers had copies of my Pacemaker card.  

My wife drove me to the hospital so I could take a prescribed .5mg Lorazepam pill for anxiety an hour prior to the scheduled scan time. I arrived 30 minutes prior to the scan and the MRI tech asked a lot of safety questions concerning any conditions or metal that might be affected by the scan.  I changed into scrubs (socks shoes and underwear stayed on) and they shaved my chest in 4 areas for electrode pads. A separate electrocardiac nurse then scanned my pacemaker and placed it into SureScan mode (I felt no change but my minimum HR was bumped up to 85 from 60).  Then off to the machine.

Once laying on the table they hooked up the 4 chest leads, placed a blood pressure cuff on my left arm, a pulse oximeter on my right, and earplugs in both ears.  Nicely bundled up in a comfy blanket with cushions under my knees I was moved into the scanner for the 25 minute scan.  A cardiac nurse monitored my vitals during the scan and I was comfortable throughout.  I felt nothing different from other MRI's I have had prior to the pacemaker implant.  If you have any worries of claustrophobia they have various levels of sedatives to administer and definitely do not open your eyes to look around while you are in the scanner.  After the scan the electrocardiac nurse restored all my original settings to my pacemaker.

The bottom line is our newer technology pacemakers (if you are lucky to have one) make a properly coordinated MRI nothing to worry about. 

Kevin

     

 

2 Comments

Sounds like a comfortable experience

by Gemita - 2024-10-16 11:19:23

Thank you Kevin and I am glad you stayed safe.

The problem for all of us is the fact that there is still a great deal of concern and misunderstanding among health professionals about the safety of having an MRI with a pacemaker.  We ideally need to go to a large centre where the technicians frequently carry out MRIs on pacemaker patients.  

Like you found, providing certain conditions are met, we may safely have an MRI with an MRI conditional pacemaker.  The problem arises when we have abandoned or damaged leads or do not have properly trained staff around during the procedure, like a cardiac technician who can place our pacemakers in a safe mode during the procedure and restore the settings afterwards.

I hope the results of the MRI will help you and your doctors to know how best to proceed with your back pain and sciatica.  You seem to have been made extremely comfortable during your procedure.  Thank you so much for your helpful post.

Hi Kevin

by Lavender - 2024-10-16 20:16:18

In your past posts as well as this one, you tell very clearly what you have gone through. This concise info stated in such an open manner with detailed insight is very helpful for anyone who might have to go through this. Thank you!

I have had an MRI twice pre-pacemaker of my knee and a different time of my ankle. I'm waaay too claustrophobic for being in the tube and pressed the button and nearly jumped out a few years ago pre pacemaker when they tried to check my back. I couldn't go through it!

However, your words, "Nicely bundled up in a comfy blanket with cushions under my knees" almost sounds spa-like. Lol maybe just maybe one day if I ever need an MRI... I can keep that image in mind. 😆

I have experienced back pain and crippling sciatica in my history and it was awful! May some helpful treatment options come to light!

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