Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Implant Compatibility With Ultrahigh Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (4.7 Tesla and 7 Tesla)

Am J Cardiol. 2023 Aug 15:201:239-246. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.05.062. Epub 2023 Jun 30.

Abstract

The use of 7 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is expanding across medical specialties, particularly, clinical neurosciences and orthopedics. Investigational 7 T MRI has also been performed in cardiology. A limiting factor for expansion of the role of 7 T, irrespective of the body part being imaged, is the sparse testing of biomedical implant compatibility at field strengths >3 T. Implant compatibility can be tested following the American Society for Testing and Materials International guidelines. To assess the current state of cardiovascular implant safety at field strengths >3 T, a systematic search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and citation matching. Studies written in English that included at least 1 cardiovascular-related implant and at least 1 safety outcome (deflection angle, torque, or temperature change) were included. Data were extracted for the implant studied, implant composition, deflection angle, torque, and temperature change, and the American Society for Testing and Materials International standards were followed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines for scoping reviews were followed. A total of 9 studies were included. A total of 34 cardiovascular-related implants tested ex vivo at 7 T and 91 implants tested ex vivo at 4.7 T were included. The implants included vascular grafts and conduits, vascular access ports, peripheral and coronary stents, caval filters, and artificial valves. A total of 2 grafts, 1 vascular access port, 2 vena cava filters, and 5 stents were identified as incompatible with the 7 T MRI. All incompatible stents were 40 mm in length. Based on the safety outcomes reported, we identify several implants that may be compatible with >3 T MRI. This scoping review seeks to concisely summarize all the cardiovascular-related implants tested for ultrahigh field MRI compatibility to date.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
  • Stents*
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures