Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are an important part of many therapies and procedures. It’s possible you’ll need to receive an MRI or other imaging at some point. If you have an implanted electronic device, such as a neurostimulator,  there are certain things you need to know about safely receiving an MRI scan.

An MRI scanner uses strong magnetic fields to create images of the organs and tissues in the body. In general, MRI scans are safe, routine procedures. But in rare cases, MRI fields can interfere with your neurostimulator device, possibly leading to injury. If you have an implanted device, you need to make sure your device is approved to receive an MRI scan.

Fortunately, with certain neurostimulators from Abbott, you can safely have an MRI scan when conditions for safe scanning are met. Our table can help you identify which kinds of scans are approved for each of our MR Conditional implanted devices.

Can I receive an MRI with my device?

Your system may be designed to let you safely receive an MRI scan under certain conditions. The devices from Abbott listed in the table below are eligible for an MRI scan within approved parameters.

Always ask your pain physician to confirm whether your device is eligible for an MRI scan.

Depending on your device and which leads have been implanted with your system, you may qualify for an MRI scan of either your whole body or just your head and extremities (arms and legs).

If you have an implanted neurostimulator and will be receiving an MRI scan, follow these steps to make sure you're taking good care of yourself and your system:

1. Contact your pain specialist to see if you can safely receive the type of MRI scan prescribed.
   • Ask about possible effects the scan may have on your device. 
   • If your doctor or MRI technologist is unsure if your neurostimulation system is eligible for an MRI scan, check your Patient Implant Card to verify. It includes the model number of your system as well as a website that provides guidelines for safely conducting an MRI scan with that type of system.
2. Reach out to the clinic that prescribed your MRI scan.
   • Tell them you have an implanted neurostimulation system.
   • Share the model numbers and locations of your implanted neurostimulation system parts.
3. Schedule your MRI appointment with the clinic.

Please see guidance currently available in your Patient Manual.

Before your MRI scan

Your Patient Controller includes the MRI mode feature that allows you and your device to be safely scanned. Before any MRI scan, your Patient Controller should be used to set your IPG to MRI Mode. Immediately after your MRI scan, your Patient Controller should be used to disable MRI Mode to resume therapy.

If you have an MR Conditional system and will receive an MRI scan, follow these instructions with the help from your physician or medical representative from Abbott as needed:

WARNING: Before attempting to set your IPG to MRI Mode:

• Upgrade your Patient Controller to the latest version of the Patient Controller app from the App Store.
• Disable automatic updates for your Patient Controller app and the device operating system software (such as Apple^‡ iOS^‡).
• Set your IPG to MRI Mode within a day before you arrive for your procedure.
  • WARNING: Do not enable MRI Mode more than 24 hours prior to the MRI scan.
• Charge your Patient Controller before the procedure.
  • CAUTION: Do not bring your Patient Controller into the scanner magnet room since it may be affected by the MRI magnet, may present a projectile hazard, and is MR Unsafe.

WARNING: For the Proclaim™ SCS Family and the Proclaim™ DRG Neurostimulation System, a paired Patient Controller or Clinician Programmer is required to disable MRI Mode. The inability to disable MRI Mode would require device replacement surgery to restore therapy.

Follow these instructions:

• Do not alter, damage, update, or lose your Patient Controller while in MRI Mode.
• Do not update, install, or delete the Patient Controller app while in MRI Mode.
• Do not delete the pairing between the IPG and the Patient Controller or delete the IPG from the Generators list while in MRI Mode.
• Do not update the device operating system while in MRI Mode.
• See Instructions for Use and product advisories for more information.

Bring these items to your appointment:

• Patient Implant Card from Abbott
• Patient Controller, fully charged
• Any forms or checklists provided by your physician or MRI scanning center

Immediately after your MRI Procedure, use the Patient Controller to disable MRI Mode and restore therapy.

Re‑enable automatic updates for the app and install iOS^‡ software updates as they are made available by Apple,^‡ after verifying iOS^‡ software version compatibility with the Patient Controller app via www.NMmobiledevicesync.com/cp.

If you are unable to use your Patient Controller to disable MRI Mode, contact your physician, representative from Abbott, or Abbott's Technical Support immediately at +1-800-314-0940. There may be additional options to restore communication with your neurostimulator implant and exit MRI mode.

Learn more about Abbott's neurostimulation systems.