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MRI INFORMATION FOR DBS DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION FOR ESSENTIAL TREMOR

ACCESS TO MRI

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.

ACCESS TO THE CARE YOU MAY NEED

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

THE DEVICE

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.*

TESTED. DEMONSTRATED.

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:

  • 14 years of MRI research and testing history
  • 10 million simulated patient scans performed using 38,800 scan conditions such as patient size and patient position within the MRI machine

UNINTERRUPTED

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.

CONTACT THE DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING AN MRI

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:

  • MRI scans of the head only (this is referred to as head-only eligible)
  • MRI scans of any part of the body (this is referred to as full-body eligible)

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.

BRING TO EVERY MRI APPOINTMENT

  • The patient identification (ID) card for the Medtronic DBS system
  • The MRI scan eligibility sheet if the clinician managing the Medtronic DBS Therapy gave the patient one
  • The patient programmer

PREPARING THE DBS SYSTEM FOR THE MRI SCAN

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

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.

 
1

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.