Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)
Most pacemakers and ICDs implanted in the last 10–15 years are MRI Conditional. We require the device card or implanting cardiologist's records before scheduling, and many centers ask that your cardiology team be on standby to interrogate the device immediately before and after the scan.
Older legacy pacemakers and abandoned leads may not be MRI safe. If your device cannot be scanned, we will work with your provider on an alternative test such as CT, ultrasound, or nuclear imaging.
Neurostimulators (spinal cord, deep brain, vagus nerve)
Many spinal cord stimulators (SCS), deep brain stimulators (DBS), and vagus nerve stimulators (VNS) are MRI Conditional but require the device to be programmed into MRI mode before the scan. Bring your patient programmer if you have one, or contact your device manufacturer's support line in advance.
Conditions often limit which body parts can be scanned and at what field strength. Our radiologist confirms the protocol before the scan begins.
Cochlear implants and middle-ear devices
Modern cochlear implants are usually MRI Conditional, but require external components removed and sometimes a head wrap to immobilize the internal magnet. Some older implants are MRI Unsafe.
Always bring your implant identification card and your audiologist's contact information.
Aneurysm clips, embolization coils, and stents
Aneurysm clips placed since the early 1990s are typically MRI Conditional, but clips of unknown origin require documentation before scanning. Cerebral embolization coils and the vast majority of vascular stents are MRI safe after a short waiting period (usually six weeks) following implantation.
Joint replacements, plates, screws, and rods
Orthopedic hardware made of titanium, cobalt-chromium, or stainless steel is overwhelmingly MRI Conditional and safe to scan. You may feel mild warmth near larger hardware during the scan. Image quality near metal can be reduced; specialized metal-artifact-reduction sequences are available at many centers.
IUDs, contraceptive implants, and drug pumps
Copper and hormonal IUDs (ParaGard, Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, Kyleena) are MRI safe at 1.5T and 3T. Subdermal contraceptive implants (Nexplanon) are also MRI safe.
Implantable drug pumps (e.g., baclofen, insulin) are usually MRI Conditional but may need to be paused or reprogrammed by your prescriber before the scan. Insulin pumps are typically removed for the duration of the exam.
Tissue expanders, port-a-caths, and ostomies
Most ports, mediports, and PowerPorts are MRI Conditional. Magnetic tissue expanders used in breast reconstruction may require removal or special handling. Ostomy bags can stay in place; you may be asked to replace a metallic ostomy clip with a plastic equivalent.
If this applies to you
- Bring the implant card, manufacturer name, and model number for every device.
- If you don't have the card, ask your surgeon's office for the operative report — we need it before the scan.
- Pacemaker and ICD patients: contact your cardiologist's device clinic before scheduling.
- Neurostimulator patients: bring your patient programmer or controller.
- Drug-pump patients: confirm with your prescriber whether the pump needs to be paused.
Call us before your appointment if…
- You have a cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator (ICD), or loop recorder.
- You have a deep brain stimulator, spinal cord stimulator, or vagus nerve stimulator.
- You have a cochlear or auditory brainstem implant.
- You have an aneurysm clip, embolization coil, or stent placed in the last six weeks.
- You have an implanted drug-infusion or insulin pump.
- You do not know the make and model of an implant.
This page is general patient education and does not replace the medical advice of your physician. It describes how Precise Imaging operates today and is not a substitute for the specific instructions on your appointment confirmation. Always discuss your medical history with the provider who ordered your exam.
Frequently asked questions
What does "MRI Conditional" mean?
It means the device has been tested by its manufacturer and shown to be safe in the MRI scanner under specific conditions — typically a defined field strength (1.5T or 3T), specific body region, and sometimes a programming change. Our radiologist verifies the conditions for your device before the scan.
I have a pacemaker — can I still get an MRI?
In most cases, yes. The majority of pacemakers implanted in the last decade are MRI Conditional. We coordinate with your cardiology device clinic so the device can be programmed into MRI mode and interrogated afterward.
Can my joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder) go in the MRI?
Almost always. Modern orthopedic hardware is MRI Conditional. You may feel mild warmth near the implant and the image near the hardware may show some distortion, but the surrounding tissue is still well-visualized.
Is my IUD MRI-safe?
Yes. All currently marketed IUDs in the United States — copper and hormonal — are MRI safe at 1.5T and 3T. You do not need to have it removed.
What if I don't know what kind of implant I have?
Call your implanting surgeon's office and ask for the operative report or device card. We cannot scan an unknown implant. If the records are not available, we will work with your provider on an alternative test.
What about old shrapnel or bullet fragments?
Metal fragments — especially near the eyes, spinal cord, or major blood vessels — require an X-ray to localize before MRI. Tell us at scheduling so we can plan the right workup.
Are dental fillings, crowns, and braces a problem?
Standard dental fillings, crowns, and bridges are MRI safe. Braces and orthodontic retainers can cause image distortion near the head and neck but are not a safety concern. Removable retainers should be taken out.