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mri and vagus nerve stimulators

Tue, 09/19/2006 - 12:54
I have recently become aware of the fda warnings regarding mri-caused injuries in patients with implanted neurological stimulators, such as the vagus nerve stimulator. I have had a vagus nerve stimulator since 2004, and I was NOT informed about this very serious issue prior to having the surgery. In fact I was told that should I require an MRI after receiving the implant, the facility performing the test would need to contact Cyberonics to receive appropriate settings for the MRI machine. I was told that provided a few minor adjustments were made to the machine, the procedure would be safe. This is NOT the case. I was seriously misled and I am extremely distressed about this. I have been doing some research and there is a company called Biophan that has developed some technology to make MRIs safe for patients with vagus nerve stimulators. However, to my knowledge this technology is not yet available. I will have a better understanding of when it might become available after I talk to a representative from Biophan. I will post again to this site after I have more information to share about my findings. I feel that Cyberonics should have informed me about this very serious issue. MRI is an extremely important diagnostic tool for many medical conditions. I am concerned that I might NEVER be able to have an MRI. I am also worried that in the event of an accident, ER personnel might unknowingly put my life in jeopardy by performing an MRI. According to the fda, MRI risks with vagus nerve stimulators include coma and permanent neurological damage. We are not talking about minor adverse reactions here. As I said I will keep you posted as I continue to investigate this, but in the meantime I feel that Cyberonics should be held accountable for misleading so many people. I believe that there are probably many patients (including me) who might have thought twice about getting a vns had they been fully informed. I think that Cyberonics deliberately withheld this information and in my opinion this is simply NOT acceptable.

Comments

Re: mri and vagus nerve stimulators

Submitted by rosegirl on Fri, 2010-04-23 - 17:38
I got my VNS in 2001, didn't get the info on MRI testing or lack there of, till 2003, I think. When I saw my neuro and we were dicussing surgery, he told me that I could have an MRI, my VNS would be turned off that's all.

Re: mri and vagus nerve stimulators

Submitted by tonialpha on Fri, 2010-04-23 - 19:45

I was told no MRI, after it was placed in.  They may of said it, but I do not remember.  I have had an MRI done w/ special MRI's that fit into the requirements they state in the information booklet.  I was told several things from technicians.  I will not have an MRI until my epileptologist tells me that particular MRI is ok and that someone turns off the VNS. 

I have only had 2 MRI's since my surgery in 1/1998.

I was told no MRI, after it was placed in.  They may of said it, but I do not remember.  I have had an MRI done w/ special MRI's that fit into the requirements they state in the information booklet.  I was told several things from technicians.  I will not have an MRI until my epileptologist tells me that particular MRI is ok and that someone turns off the VNS. 

I have only had 2 MRI's since my surgery in 1/1998.

Re: mri and vagus nerve stimulators

Submitted by mrimaging on Tue, 2010-04-13 - 09:06

Hello,

I have been a MRI Technologist for twenty years and have worked on all types of systems.

Many implants have various safety conditions that must be followed in order to be considered if safe enough for MRI. First you must know there are several types of systems and strengths. The Tesla of the magnet and the gradients that transmit come in three different strengths.

Now with the Vagus nerve stimulator, they say you can scan the brain only without using the body coil, but if it is me going into the scanner risking permanent damage, no way!

 When in doubt, throw it out is my recommendation!

Bob

www.mrimaging.com

Hello,

I have been a MRI Technologist for twenty years and have worked on all types of systems.

Many implants have various safety conditions that must be followed in order to be considered if safe enough for MRI. First you must know there are several types of systems and strengths. The Tesla of the magnet and the gradients that transmit come in three different strengths.

Now with the Vagus nerve stimulator, they say you can scan the brain only without using the body coil, but if it is me going into the scanner risking permanent damage, no way!

 When in doubt, throw it out is my recommendation!

Bob

www.mrimaging.com

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