Reconsideration of EMI phenomenon in active implantable medical devices in the age of MR Conditional devices

Until recently, the presence of an AIMD has been considered a contraindication to MRI because of the potential adverse effects of MRI on AIMDs. However, all of AIMD manufacturers have released “MR Conditional” devices recently. These devices have been demonstrated to pose no known hazards in a specified MRI environment with specified conditions of use. Therefore, it is quite important to understand what kind of clinical phenomena would take place if an accidental scan of a conventional device was performed. If the MRI scanning of a patient with non MR compatible AIMD is needed from special medical requirement, intensive monitoring of heart activity during the scanning and repetitive threshold measurements after the scanning will be essential.