F V Güttler1, A Heinrich, U K Teichgräber. 1. Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Erlanger Allee 101, 07747, Jena, Deutschland, felix.guettler@med.uni-jena.de.
Abstract
CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: In spite of technical and organizational measures, ferromagnetic objects still find their way into the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) room and can cause severe injuries. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: A detailed patient education and MRI safety training for personnel are necessary to avoid MRI incidents with ferromagnetic objects. METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: Whole body ferromagnetic detection systems should increase patient safety and minimize risks for personnel and MRI equipment in the clinical routine. PERFORMANCE: In a clinical MRI setting, a screener system used for outpatients and inpatients (n = 400) identified unknown ferrous objects in 2 % of the cases. In two of these cases patients were found to be in possession of unknown foreign ferrous objects. Furthermore, a door guard system only used for outpatients (n = 2500) detected unknown ferromagnetic objects in 0.3 % of the cases. ACHIEVEMENTS: The number of ferrous objects that are unknowingly brought into the scanner room can be reduced with a whole body ferromagnetic detection system. For an optimal benefit of the system a ferrous-free environment and perfectly ferrous-free clothing for the medical personnel are necessary. In the clinical routine, the benefit of the system is limited particularly for immobile patients who have to remain in a horizontal position. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: A whole body ferromagnetic detection system can complement but not replace patient education and MRI safety training.
CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: In spite of technical and organizational measures, ferromagnetic objects still find their way into the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) room and can cause severe injuries. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: A detailed patient education and MRI safety training for personnel are necessary to avoid MRI incidents with ferromagnetic objects. METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: Whole body ferromagnetic detection systems should increase patient safety and minimize risks for personnel and MRI equipment in the clinical routine. PERFORMANCE: In a clinical MRI setting, a screener system used for outpatients and inpatients (n = 400) identified unknown ferrous objects in 2 % of the cases. In two of these cases patients were found to be in possession of unknown foreign ferrous objects. Furthermore, a door guard system only used for outpatients (n = 2500) detected unknown ferromagnetic objects in 0.3 % of the cases. ACHIEVEMENTS: The number of ferrous objects that are unknowingly brought into the scanner room can be reduced with a whole body ferromagnetic detection system. For an optimal benefit of the system a ferrous-free environment and perfectly ferrous-free clothing for the medical personnel are necessary. In the clinical routine, the benefit of the system is limited particularly for immobile patients who have to remain in a horizontal position. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: A whole body ferromagnetic detection system can complement but not replace patient education and MRI safety training.
Authors: Emanuel Kanal; A James Barkovich; Charlotte Bell; James P Borgstede; William G Bradley; Jerry W Froelich; J Rod Gimbel; John W Gosbee; Ellisa Kuhni-Kaminski; Paul A Larson; James W Lester; John Nyenhuis; Daniel Joe Schaefer; Elizabeth A Sebek; Jeffrey Weinreb; Bruce L Wilkoff; Terry O Woods; Leonard Lucey; Dina Hernandez Journal: J Magn Reson Imaging Date: 2013-01-23 Impact factor: 4.813