MRI Risks for Implanted Devices

MPORTANT – YOU MUST CONTACT US PRIOR TO BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING INSIDE OR ON YOU: 6382 3888

  • Pacemaker / Defibrillator (ICD)
  • Neurostimulator
  • Cochlear Implant
  • Stapedectomy (middle ear prosthesis)
  • Aneurysm Clip
  • Morphine / Insulin Pump
  • Glucose Monitor
  • Programmable VP Shunt
  • Shrapnel
  • Retained Metal fragment in eye (eg. from welding / grinding)

These devices / foreign bodies have safety conditions we need to investigate prior to you being able to have an MRI scan. If you arrive on the day without our prior knowledge of these, it is likely that you will need to be rebooked for a later date. It may be necessary to arrange an alternate imaging test if an MRI is contra-indicated due to safety conditions.

IT IS LIKELY YOU CAN SAFELY HAVE AN MRI IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING IMPLANTS:

  • Heart valves
  • vascular stents (including Coronary / AAA)
  • surgical clips
  • screws, rods
  • artificial joints
  • dental implants or
  • orthodontic braces.

These devices generally don’t pose a safety hazard, however they can reduce the image quality if they are close to the region being scanned. We will discuss any implications on the day of the scan.

If you have questions or any of the listed devices please contact our helpful MRI staff prior to coming in for your appointment.

You may also be asked to change into a gown and remove any metal jewellery for your scan.