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Hearing Implants and MRI Compatibility

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1.  Which of the following potential risks is most likely to impact a patient during an MRI? Heating of the implant Torque (twisting or lifting force) upon the implant magnet Unintended stimulation of the implant Change in hearing

2.  All cochlear implant internal magnets: Must be removed for MRI Lose magnetic strength after an MRI Require special safety instructions to be followed by the patient and radiologist Have an axial design

3.  MRI safety: Is only a consideration if the patient currently has a health condition that requires MRI scanning of the head Is not a concern for candidates, recipients, and the clinicians who serve them Requires removing the implant magnet Is achievable without magnet removal for 3.0T scans only for patients with the SYNCRHONY implant

4.  The following possible side effects are rigorously tested in order to demonstrate that an implant can be safely managed in an MRI scanner: Heating at the electrode contacts and torque on the magnet Unintended stimulation and demagnetization of the internal magnet Claustrophobia while the patient is in the scanner bore Both A and B

5.  When undergoing an MRI scan, a MED-EL CI recipient must: Be correctly positioned within the scanner Remove all external equipment such as audio processors Inform the radiologist that they have an implantable device All of the Above

6.  The hearing implant magnets scanning capability is a consideration Only when scanning the head Only if the patient presently has a need for MRI For any MRI, including scans of the spine and extremities Only for young children

7.  MRI usage statistics indicate that: MRI usage has increased in recent years in many countries, but particularly so in the US About 1 in 8 US residents underwent MRI scanning in 2015 according to OECD About 70% of MRI scans ordered are looking at other parts of the body besides the head and neck All of the above are true

8.  The SYNCRHONY diametric magnet: Only needs to be removed when scanning the area of the brain immediately surrounding the implant Is the only implantable magnet that is FDA approved for MRI scans at 3.0T without requiring surgery to remove the magnet Is able to rotate inside it's hermetically sealed housing to align with a strong external magnetic field All of the Above

9.  Concerns about MRI scanning reported in the literature that can be managed more effectively by newer designs include: Demagnetization (weakening) of the internal magnet Dislocation of the internal magnet from its position in the implant Pain and discomfort due to torque exerted on the internal magnet, causing it to lift or twist All of the above

10.  MED-ELpatients or physicians wishing to obtain an MRI on a MED-EL device can find complete scanning instructions in these locations: Engraved upon the implant, visible with an xray In the patient's User Manual Online at MED-EL.com at the "Important Safety Information" homepage link B and C