MRI Conditionality in Patients with Spinal Cord Stimulation Devices

Background: Because of the commonality of diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MRI conditional technology has increased throughout the device industry. It is often difficult to be aware of MRI specifications for each device.

Objectives: We provide a review of the clinical experience with MRI and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices and develop a general reference of current device/MRI specifications.

Methods: We reviewed the available literature on the clinical experience with SCS devices and examined its specifications.

Results: We developed a user-friendly table of the specific compatibility of SCS devices in the USA and the European Union, and examined the existing literature on the clinical experience with MRI and SCS devices. We share our experience with obtaining spine MRI with MRI conditional SCS leads.

Conclusion: By describing SCS device specifications and reviewing the literature, we provide a guide to implanting and treating physicians on obtaining MRIs in patients who have SCS devices.