The MagnaSafe Registry: Determining the Risks of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the Presence of Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)

The MagnaSafe Registry is an investigator initiated study designed to determine the risks of performing MRI for patients with pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs). We hope that the results of the registry will provide physicians the risk-assessment data needed to assess the use of MRI as a diagnostic tool when no alternative diagnostic imaging technology is appropriate.

The number of patients living with permanent pacemakers or ICD devices in the United States is increasing dramatically as a result of expanded indications. Between 1990 and 2005, an estimated 2.8 million pacemakers and 690,000 ICDs were implanted in the United States. The number of implanted devices continues to increase without an apparent plateau.

Magnetic resonance is the imaging modality of choice for the diagnosis of many diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system. For some disease states, no acceptable alternative diagnostic imaging method is available. As the number of implanted cardiac devices is increasing, the clinical indications for MRI are expanding as well. Marketing research estimates that approximately 27.5 million MRI procedures were completed in 2007 (The Medical Information Division of IMV, LTD). It is predicted that there is a 50-75% probability that a patient with a pacemaker or ICD will have the need for an MRI over the lifetime of the device.

Most physicians consider the presence of a pacemaker or ICD to be an absolute contraindication to an MRI study. Patients are denied the examination, even when MR is clearly the superior diagnostic modality or when there is no acceptable alternative imaging test available. To provide optimal care to the increasing number of patients with an implanted cardiac device, health care professionals must have the capability to perform MR imaging with minimal risk and full knowledge of the possible complications.

The present study will create a registry of patients with pacemakers and ICDs who will undergo clinically indicated MRI and will document any adverse event or change in device parameters that may be associated with the imaging procedure. The results of this registry will provide the medical community with an accurate documentation of risk to patients and will establish a protocol of patient screening and device reprogramming for the purpose of maximizing the safe performance of MRI as a diagnostic tool in patients with implantable cardiac devices when indicated.

This is a physician-initiated study that will be coordinated by Scripps Clinic, Green Hospital. It is being performed under an IDE from the FDA. Funding for the MagnaSafe Registry comes from multiple sources including competitive grants, institutional grants, foundation fellowship support, unrestricted educational grants from industry, and philanthropy.

Scripps Clinic/Green Hospital, La Jolla, CA, has performed more than 125 MRIs on patients with implanted cardiac devices. Results of retrospective clinical observations at Scripps Clinic were presented at the American Heart Association 2008 Scientific and American College of Cardiology 2009 Scientific Sessions.

Up to 35 sites will be recruited to participate in the registry. The registry uses a protocol designed to minimize potential risk to the patient and device. MRI compatible equipment will be required to monitor vital signs (non-invasive blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximeter, and single lead cardiac rhythm monitor) while performing scans on patients with implanted devices. Recommendations from the American Heart Association for performance of MR examination in patients with pacemakers or ICDs will be followed.

The MRI procedures will be conducted for clinical purposes at the discretion of the ordering physician. MR examination of patients with permanent implanted cardiac devices will only be performed if there are highly compelling circumstances and when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks in the opinion of the ordering physician. The decision to have an MRI must be based on clinical indication, and is not part of the research protocol.

Those wishing to participate in the registry as an investigational site will be required to obtain approval of the FDA-authorized protocol from their reviewing IRB, and complete a written investigator agreement.