Question about MRI of the brain?

Question

My Father-in-law has to have a MRI of the brain.
He is concerned about having the test done (well actually it's moreso my Mother-in-law that is concerned) because he had heart surgery back in 1999 and they put wires in his chest.

My opinion is that it's been long enough that the MRI will not affect him, but I want to be sure.
Does anyone have any knowledge or info about this?
Am I right OR should he not have the MRI done?

Any information would be greatly appreciated :)

Answer 1

Are the wires sternal wires or electrodes from a pacemaker? Sternal wires are used to hold the breast bone together after it is cut to gain access to the heart for surgery. Sternal wires which are put in post-cardiac surgery are fine and he will not be in danger of injury from a MRI. A pacemaker actually helps set the heart beat rhythm (your F-in-L should be well aware if he has a pacemaker. A pacemaker is contraindicated because the magnetic field can effect the electrical pulse of the pacemaker.

"Most implants used in heart patients (e.g., sternal wires, stents, occluding devices, coils, most heart valves, etc.) are considered permissible for an MRI examination."

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3005170

"Wires in the Chest from Heart Surgery - Although sternal wires are no problem whatsoever during an MRI scan, sometimes cardiac pacing wires are left in place after heart bypass surgery. It is very important for us to know if these wires are present because they can cause you injury if certain types of MRI scans are being done. Pacing wire presence can be determined by having a recent chest x-ray reviewed. When you pre-register let us know if you’ve had heart surgery, and you will be informed if a chest x-ray review is needed."

http://www.newmri.com/html/mr_safety.asp

Answer 2

Chekota, it sounds like you're unsure of the nature of an MRI. It stands for Magentic Resonance Imaging and basically consists of a magnetic field showing the doctors what they need to see. So, because the heart surgery was done eight years ago means nothing. Your father-in-law should make the medical team aware of these wires. If they're large enough to be affected by a magnetic field, they shouldn't do an MRI, but I doubt they will be. Just because the surgery happened a long time ago, doesn't make the wires any less magnetic. I hope that made sense.

Answer 3

I had open heart surgery also and have wires in my chest and also have a mechanical heart valve (which is MRI compatible). I have had several MRI's since that time with no problems. But he does make need to make sure the technicians are aware that he has these wires (they like to know this information). His physician should know that he has wires in his chest and would not have referred him if he could not have a MRI. But again, I have had several MRI's since my open heart surgery with no problems, complications or anything. Also, if he has a pacemaker (you did not say anything about that so I am assuming he does not) he should talk to the physician about this.

VERY GOOD POINT LISSACAL, I DID NOT THINK ABOUT THE PACING WIRES!! THEY TOOK MINE OUT. I WAS JUST THINKING ABOUT THE WIRES AROUND THE STERUM WHERE THEY BREAK OPEN THE BREAST BONE. EXCELLENT POINT.

Answer 4

He needs to make the technicians aware of the fact. They will be able to determine if it really is an issue. I know we are told all about the "no metal in MRI" issue -- but my husband just had one done on his head (eye issues) and was still wearing his stud earring (he just forgot). He refused to remove it (it was my engagement present to him) -- and they simply made some adjustments and continued the MRI. No problem.

Answer 5

Well, if the doctor who is sending him for the MRI knows about the wires then I'm sure it is OK. If not, then someone should let him/her know about it.

Answer 6

If they have placed a pacemaker, tell your Nuclear physician about it, as strong Magnetic Field is contraindicated in Pace maker patients. Any way they must be knowing it, to be further assured talk to his cardiologist and Nuclear physician, as they are the best judges of such case. I am definitely sure he is in safe hands.

Answer 7

he will be fine ,peoplewithwires and pacemakers are having them done all the time,his doctor knows his history anyway doesnt he?