Access to MRI in Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices is Variable and an Issue in Australia

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to characterise the level of access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Australian hospitals for patients with MR-conditional and non-MR-conditional cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED), and to identify any barriers impeding this access.

Methods: All Australian Tertiary Referral Public Hospitals (n=38) were surveyed with a mixed qualitative and quantitative questionnaire. Provision of MRI to patients with MR-conditional and non-MR-conditional CIEDs; patient monitoring strategies during scan and personnel in attendance; barriers impeding MRI access.

Results: Of the 35 (92%) hospitals that completed the survey, a majority (85.7%) scan MR-conditional CIEDs, while a minority (8.6%) scan non-MR-conditional CIEDs. MR-conditional device scanning is often limited to non-pacing dependent patients, excluding implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. In total, 21% of sites exclude thoracic MR scans for CIED patients. Although most centres scan on 1.5 Tesla (T) machines (59%), 10% scan at 3T and 31% scan at both strengths. Sites vary in patient monitoring strategies and personnel in attendance; 80% require staff with Advanced Cardiac Life Support to be present. Barriers to service expansion include an absence of national guidelines, formal training, and logistical device support.

Conclusions: Most surveyed Australian hospitals offer MRI for patients with MR-conditional CIEDs, however many still have exclusions for particular patient groups or scan requests. Only three surveyed sites offer MRI for patients with non-MR-conditional CIEDs in Australia. A national effort is needed to address the identified barriers including the development of national guidelines, formal training, and logistical support.

Keywords: Defibrillator; MR-conditional; MR-nonconditional; Magnetic resonance imaging; Pacemaker; Safety.