Causes, Effects, Measures to Reduce MRI Interactions in Patients with Pacemakers and Proposed Design of High Dielectric Jacket for the Head and Thorax

Abstract

The use of Magnetic Resonance imaging in this fast advancing technological era cannot be under estimated. It has been estimated that about 1 person in 1000 in the Western world has received a pacemaker worldwide [1] and each year up to 8 million MRI scans are performed in Europe [2] .It has become the choice in many applications due to its merits. They include detection of blood-brain-barrier disruption, identification of atherosclerotic plaque morphological, detection of occult hip fractures, fast imaging and high contrast resolution to name a few. Despite these overwhelming advantages, (MRl) has been contraindicated in patients with pacemakers (PM) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). Due to these interactions, patients with these devices are often denied access this advantageous system. This paper considers some of the causes, adverse effects and provides solution to aid patient who need MRI imaging.