MRI Can Be Safely Performed in Many Patients With Pacemakers and Defibrillators
MRI Can Be Safely Performed in Many Patients With Pacemakers and Defibrillators
* Many patients with pacemakers or implantable defibrillators (CIEDs) can safely undergo MRI, even when they have older (MRI-nonconditional) devices or abandoned leads, if proper precautions are followed.
* In this study, specialized electrophysiology nurse practitioners (EP NPs) evaluated the device, adjusted its settings when needed, and continuously monitored patients throughout the MRI.
* No clinically significant device problems, arrhythmias, or patient symptoms occurred during or immediately after the scans.
* Take-home message: Patients with cardiac implantable devices should not be denied MRI solely because of their device. Referral to an experienced center with a dedicated MRI–CIED protocol can allow safe imaging in many cases.
Source: Heart Rhythm O2. Published online June 9, 2026.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666501826002540