National Survey on the System for Performing MRI Examinations of Patients with Implantable Devices and Implanted Metal Devices

When performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, MRI compatibility must be confirmed as well as the presence of implantable devices in the body prior to scanning to prevent or minimize adverse events. In addition, medical staff must prepare for the risks of MRI scans through a complex process that includes checking for the presence of implanted metals in the body and non-medical materials such as tattoos and permanent cosmetics, which makes it important to update information and review the system at one's own institution. This study conducted a questionnaire survey of 950 facilities in Japan that perform MRI examinations of patients with implantable devices. 622 facilities responded to the survey. The response rate was 65.5%. The survey on the system for conducting MRI examinations of patients with implantable devices revealed the percentage of patients who are ready for each implantable device and the occupations involved in changing the mode of each device and providing informed consent before the MRI is performed. The survey on the checklist of in-vivo and out-of-vivo MRI devices used to pre-confirm the presence of metals in the body revealed the percentage of patients who use the checklist and the types of jobs that are involved in the interview process. Furthermore, it was found that there was a large variation in the content of items checked on the MRI intra- and extra-intracorporeal metal checklists among institutions. It is hoped that learning about the actual conditions at other facilities will help to further reduce the risks associated with MRI examinations by reviewing the implementation systems and checklist contents at their own facilities.