Safety of metallic implants in magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is safe only if we take safety precautions. In the presence of a metallic implant inside the body, three types of magnetic fields encountered in MRI (Static magnetic field, radiofrequency field, gradient field) may become the sources of safety problems. In this thesis, temperature increase created by a pacemaker under MRI is investigated. Electromagnetic simulations are performed, in-vivo, phantom experiments are conducted and finally bioheat equation is solved to find the corresponding temperature increase. Using this temperature increase the input power can be limited to ensure safe scans. MRI compatible lead design is the essential innovation of this thesis which is directly applicable to any kind of metallic, wire shaped interventional MRI device.