Hi,
I read that the modern implantable loop recorders do not prevent you having an MRI. Do the radiologists have to alter settings or change their protocols to avoid issues?
Also has anyone been told they need to wait a certain time after having the ILR implanted before they can have an MRI? If so, is this to do with the implant wound healing or something else?
Sorry just getting the heeby jeebies about my next ablation and ILR insertion and upcoming MRI 1 month later.
Thanks again
, Di
I asked this question and got various answers 2 years ago. When I asked my cardiologists they weren’t sure. As I had a possible TIA a few years ago I had about 3 MRI’s & other scans within 12 months so I was also concerned. After getting no clear answers, I wrote to my representative Governor of our local hospital who followed this up for me and I then got a very clear letter from the hospital saying that it was a little more complicated than a normal MRI as they would need to consult with my cardiologist and therefore they needed advance notice but it was perfectly possible with the type of PM I had and there would be no issues.
I blogged on this forum about it and I seem to remember there were various replies which highlighted quite a few discrepancies between various Radiology departments - I can’t remember the details but will try look out the thread and post a link.
Thanks for your info.
My understanding is that this is a metal problem. MRI machines use massive ultra strong magnets. which would rip anything magnetic straight out of your body which is not a good idea. When I had to have an MRI whilst being dianosed with prostate cancer they asked me if I had any metal in my body. Since I work in metal and often get swarf in myself I said I really couldn't say so they did a series of X rays to check and were alarmed to see a speck on my left eye. Luckily this turnd out to be a faulty X ray plate and the MRI went ahead but it shows how careful they have to be
Some implantable devices are MRI compliant I have been told but some of the older ones most definitely are not.
Yes, it looks like the devices have come a long way. I will check with the MRI department pre having the loop recorder implanted, but hopefully being just a recording device not a pacemaker, there will be less concern. It will certainly be a funny shadow on my routine breast cancer screening.
Hi Di 
I’ve had 2 MRIs with an implantable loop device in (Medtronic Linq).
The first time, a few years back, there was a bit of checking between departments and with the Medtronic rulebook. They decided that it was perfectly safe for me, for the device and for the MRI machine(!). The only risk was that the MRI would wipe the latest data from the loop recorder, so I had to have it downloaded just before the MRI. Nothing needed to be changed or deactivated etc, and it all went fine.
I must confess I spent some of my first MRI wondering if, despite their nonchalance, the metal was about to leap out of my chest to attach itself to the machine!
(It didn’t!!)
I can’t remember how soon my MRI was after implant, but it’s worth mentioning it. As you say, it’s a good idea to tell the radiology department about the implant in good time so they can get advice on anything they don’t already know. No need to worry at all though. They def won’t take any risks 😊
The loop implant was the biggest blessing in my treatment - I hope it’s as helpful and reassuring for you. Good luck with it all J xx
I’ve had several breast MRIs w Medtronic Linq device. No problem. Just make sure you know which linq device you have. I’ve been asked for the ID card that came w the device. And mammograms aren’t a problem either. Though I’d wait a few months for the linq insertion area to heal. Good luck w all the procedures!
Thanks, yes i think the mammogram can wait a few months🙂
If it helps I had a pacemaker on 1st June and told I could not have MRI scans.
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