MRI for Patients with Pacemakers and Implantable Defibrillators
At Welbeck, we are among the few hospitals in the country that offer MRI scans to patients with pacemakers and implantable defibrillators.
At a glance
- Doctor referral only
- Health insurance
- Self-Pay Available
What is MRI for patients with pacemakers and implantable defibrillators?
For many years, people with pacemakers were told they couldn’t have MRI scans because older pacemakers were not designed to be used safely in an MRI scanner. This often meant patients had to rely on alternative scans, such as CT, which were sometimes less effective, in answering important clinical questions, or even undergo more invasive procedures such as biopsies.
In the last 15 years, manufacturers have developed pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators that are designed to be safe for MRI scanning. Despite this, nearly half of hospitals in the UK still do not offer MRI scans for these patients, as they require specialist steps such as device reprogramming and close monitoring during the scan.
We also now know that, when strict safety protocols are followed, even patients with older non-MRI-compatible devices can often be scanned safely. However, only a small number of hospitals in the UK currently provide this service.
In our dedicated Heart Heart centre, we’ve developed significant expertise in this area and are among the few hospitals in the country able to safely and effectively scan patients with almost all types of pacemakers and defibrillators.
More information
This specialist service involves careful preparation, expert supervision, and continuous monitoring so that patients with pacemakers and implantable defibrillators can undergo MRI safely.
We have developed extensive expertise and now offer scans almost every Wednesday for patients with nearly all types of cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators.
This service is led by consultant cardiologist, Professor Charlotte Manisty, and supported by a team of highly trained cardiac physiologists and radiographers who are experts in device scanning and are present throughout. Professor Manisty also chairs the UK working group on cardiac device MRI and has overseen more than 1,400 scans in the past 10 years.
The risks are very low due to modern devices and strict safety protocols. Potential risks include:
device malfunction
lead heating
inappropriate pacing or shocks
magnet interference
discomfort or anxiety
At Welbeck, the risk of serious complications is extremely low, and for most patients, the benefit of getting accurate MRI images outweighs these risks.
When you come for your scan, you’ll be asked to arrive a little early so our team can check and adjust your device to make sure it’s safe for you to have your MRI. This is a quick and routine process, very similar to your usual device checks.
The MRI itself takes roughly the same time as a standard MRI scan, which can be anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on which area of your body is being looked at. You’ll be closely monitored throughout by our specialist team.
There’s usually no recovery period needed after having an MRI. You can go straight back to your usual routine once the scan and device check are completed.
Please contact our Imaging & Diagnostics centre for pricing information.
At Welbeck, our Heart Health specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
If you have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillators and need to have an MRI, you must be referred by either your GP or a heart health specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our cardiologists, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
Frequently asked questions
The scan itself feels the same as a standard MRI; you lie still in a large, round scanner while images are taken. The key difference is that your device will be checked and temporarily adjusted before the scan.
The MRI scan itself usually takes around the same time as a standard scan (15 to 90 minutes, depending on what is being scanned). With the device checks before and after, you should allow a couple of hours for your appointment.
Most patients do not feel anything unusual. The scan is painless, though you may hear loud noises from the MRI machine.
Yes, a friend or family member can usually come with you, though they won’t be able to enter the MRI room itself.