You just clicked a link to go to another website. If you continue, you may go to a site run by someone else.
We do not review or control the content on non-Medtronic sites, and we are not responsible for any business dealings or transactions you have there. Your use of the other site is subject to the terms of use and privacy statement on that site.
It is possible that some of the products on the other site are not approved in your region or country.
Your browser is out of date
With an updated browser, you will have a better Medtronic website experience. Update my browser now.
This information is designed to provide you with helpful educational information but is for information purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. No representation is made that the information provided is current, complete, or accurate. Medtronic does not assume any responsibility for persons relying on the information provided. Be sure to discuss questions specific to your health and treatments with a healthcare professional. For more information please speak to your healthcare professional.
This information is designed to provide you with helpful educational information but is for information purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. No representation is made that the information provided is current, complete, or accurate. Medtronic does not assume any responsibility for persons relying on the information provided. Be sure to discuss questions specific to your health and treatments with a healthcare professional. For more information please speak to your healthcare professional.
Medtronic provides access to MRI anywhere on the body with some Medtronic deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems under certain conditions — giving the doctor an important tool for diagnosis.
An MRI is a diagnostic imaging tool that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the organs and tissues inside your body. According to the American College of Radiology, MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool for stroke, dementia, movement disorders, cancer, seizures, joint and muscle pain, and cardiac issues. Approximately 7 out of 10 DBS-eligible patients with movement disorders may need an MRI within 10 years of receiving their device.1
Eligible patients with an implanted Medtronic Activa™ PC, Activa™ RC, or Activa™ SC Model 37603 neurostimulator may have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan anywhere on the body under certain conditions.*
Eligible patients with a Medtronic Activa™ SC Model 37602, Soletra™ or Kinetra™ neurostimulator may have an MRI head scan under certain conditions.*
The technology of some Medtronic DBS systems is designed to protect patients and the device during an MRI. We know it's important that the patients have access to MRI. That's why we performed rigorous testing:
Some Medtronic DBS devices may remain on, when programmed to certain conditions, while having an MRI. Patients may take comfort in knowing that the device can remain on (if programmed to the right settings) to control the symptoms. This may allow the quality of the image to be improved if the movement symptoms related to the disease are reduced.
Patients must inform the doctor who manages their DBS Therapy that an MRI examination has been prescribed. The doctor needs to determine what type of MRI scan a patient is eligible to receive.
Depending on what kind of Medtronic DBS system components that have been implanted, patients may be eligible for one of the following types of MRI scans:
Before the MRI appointment always read the MRI examinations section of the patient manual.
Healthcare professionals should always obtain the latest MRI Guidelines for Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Systems.
The implanted DBS system may need to be turned off before the MRI scan or reprogrammed to allow the system to safely remain on during the MRI scan. This will depend on the neurostimulator model implanted in the body, the therapy settings of the neurostimulator, and the type of MRI scan the patient is eligible to receive.
The doctor who manages the DBS Therapy will tell the patient whether the system should be on or off during the MRI scan. If the doctor says it should be turned off or the settings should be changed before receiving an MRI scan, refer to the patient programmer manual for instructions.
After the MRI scan and outside of the MRI scanner (magnet) room, the patient can turn therapy back on using the patient programmer, or the doctor who manages the DBS can do it.
Medtronic DBS systems are MR Conditional which means they are safe for MRI scans only under certain conditions. If the conditions are not met, the MRI could cause tissue heating especially at the implanted lead(s) in the brain which may result in serious and permanent injury or death. Before having an MRI.
Falowski S, Safriel Y, Ryan MP, Hargens L. The rate of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with deep brain stimulation. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg. 2016; 94(3):147-153.