MRI Scans with Your Neurostimulation Device

How to prepare for your MRI scan

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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.

Caring for yourself and your system during an MRI

An MRI uses strong magnets to create images of the organs and tissues in the body. In general, MRI scans are safe, routine procedures. But in rare cases, they 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.

Fortunately, with certain Abbott neurostimulators, 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 Abbott devices shown in the table are eligible for an MRI scan within approved parameters.

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

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).

Abbott neurostimulators with MR Conditional leadsMRI eligibleScan region
Eterna™ SCS System1Any body part
Proclaim™ Plus SCS System2Any body part
Proclaim™ XR SCS System2Any body part
Proclaim™ DRG System2Head or extremities
Prodigy™ MRI SCS System2Head or extremities

Scheduling an MRI

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 Abbott neurostimulation stystem is eligible for an MRI, check your Abbott 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 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.

Preparing for your MRI

Please see guidance currently available in your Patient Manual.

Before your MRI scan, make sure you:

  • For Proclaim™ family of devices, before attempting to place your device into MRI mode, and with the help of your physician or Abbott representative, ensure your Patient Controller app is updated to the latest “Patient Controller NR - US” application from the Apple App Store.
  • Disable automatic updates for the Patient Controller app and iOS software before placing the IPG in MRI mode. 
  • Fully charge your patient controller. Refer to your user guide for charging instructions.
  • If applicable, fully charge your generator.
  • Set your system to MRI mode. This turns off stimulation and protects your device during your MRI scan.

While in MRI mode:

  • DO NOT: alter, damage, update or lose your Patient Controller handheld.
  • DO NOT: update, install, or delete the Patient Controller app or Bluetooth connection.

Note: For Proclaim™ family of devices, performing any of the above actions while your device is in MRI mode may result in the inability to exit MRI mode. The inability to exit MRI mode would require device replacement surgery to restore therapy. See product advisories.

Bring these items to your appointment:

  • Abbott Patient Implant Card
  • Patient controller
  • Any forms or checklists provided by your physician or MRI scanning center

After your MRI

Use your Patient Controller to exit MRI mode. This will turn stimulation on and restore therapy.

If you are unable to use your Patient Controller to communicate with your implant while in MRI mode, contact your physician, Abbott representative, or Abbott Technical Support at +1-800-314-0940, immediately as there may be additional options to restore communication with your neurostimulator implant and exit MRI mode.

 

Learn more about Abbott neurostimulation systems.

 

‡ Indicates a third party trademark, which is property of its respective owner.

 

  1. Abbott. MRI Procedure Information, MR Conditional Eterna™ Spinal Cord Stimulation System. 2023.
  2. Abbott. MRI Procedure Information, Medical MR Conditional SCS and DRG Systems, Clinicians Manual. 2022.

23-83415 MAT-2213889 v3.0 | Item approved for U.S. use only.