Pacemaker/MRI

GP recently referred me for a MRI [head] scan for loss of balance. Reply came back from local hospital that they will not carry this out because of pacemaker implantation. Was informed this is NHS policy. Tried all the nearby 'privates' and none of them will do an MRI. Pacemaker is a Medtronic [2 leads] compatible device fitted about 18 months ago

Am waiting to hear back from GP

Has anyone else had this problem?

Thanks

[Hidden]

Hello

You cannot be the first person that has a pacemaker and needs an MRI scan there has to be another way round this I would have thought

I hope your Doctor has come back to you and if you have time let us know what they have to say x

[Alison_L]

Hi wealdman. I’ve had my Medtronic 2 lead ICD for 4 years. I’m having my 2nd head MRI on Tuesday for an acoustic neuroma diagnosed in February. It’s slightly complicated as the MRI team need to get someone over from the pacing clinic to switch it off and on again. Fortunately I’m under St George’s, London, for both head and heart, so it’s easier for them to communicate!

[Circular]

i had an MRI after my pacemaker (Medtronic) was fitted. The pacemaker was turned off and I was wired up to various monitors including blood pressure monitor.

Cardiac nurse and cardiac physiologist in attendance.

This was done through the Irish public health system. The reluctance to do the procedure maybe a matter of resources. I would suggest that you seek another opinion .

[Cricket23]

Hi. I have an Pacemaker/ ICD and had a heart MRI scan last December at the London Bridge hospital. This was done privately. The pacemaker was put into safe mode and the ICD turned off. So, it can be done. Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to Cricket23]

Thanks to all who have replied. I think who does or does not do the scan is down to finances.

Have learnt that a Cardiologist needs to be in attendance during scan and that is an extra expense. The one private hospital that will do the scan charges almost double than everyone else. I think some NHS hospitals will do it if really necessary but, on the whole, avoid, if possible, because of cost. Who can blame them.

Waiting for GP to suggest alternative.

[Cricket23 in reply to Hidden]

hi, just to add that my cardiologist was not in attendance when mine was done.

[Hidden in reply to Cricket23]

OK . Thanks, but there was someone who could put the pacemaker in safe mode.

[Cricket23 in reply to Hidden]

Yes. The London Bridge hospital has a ‘pacing clinic’, which I attend every 6 months or so. They put it in safe mode and then escorted me down a couple of floors to the MRI department. I had the scan, and was then escorted back to the clinic where they reactivated my device and carried out some testing to ensure that it was working as it should.

[lawli56]

MRI is generally contra-indicated in patients with pacemakers due to the risk of life threatening interaction between the scanner and the pacemaker. That's not to say that it can't be done but It would depend on whether the hospital has the necessary staff support team to allow it to be done safely.

[Hylda2]

I have just had pacemaker fitted as part of pace and Ablate. Was on the waiting list for MRI scan but that has now been cancelled