Although pacemakers were historically considered an absolute contraindication for MRI due to risks like lead heating, modern clinical evidence and safety protocols demonstrate that many pacemaker patients can undergo MRI scans safely.
Evidence for · 1
In vivo heating of pacemaker leads during magnetic resonance imaging
2004 · cited by 256
Demonstrates that MRI can produce considerable lead tip heating in animal models, supporting historical safety concerns.
Evidence against · 2
Clinical Utility and Safety of a Protocol for Noncardiac and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Patients With Permanent Pacemakers and Implantable-Cardioverter Defibrillators at 1.5 Tesla
2006 · cited by 354
Shows that with appropriate precautions and protocols, MRI can be performed safely in patients with permanent pacemakers and defibrillators.
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More against · 1
Safety of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Cardiac Devices
2017 · cited by 298
Demonstrates through a large prospective study that patients with legacy pacemakers can undergo MRI safely without long-term clinically significant adverse events.