This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.
MRI for Patients with Pacemaker 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.
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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.
What does MRI for patients with pacemakers and implantable defibrillators involve?
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.
What are the risks of MRI for patients with pacemakers and implantable defibrillators?
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.
How to prepare for an MRI for patients with a pacemaker and implantable defibrillators
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.
Recovery and aftercare
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.
How much does an MRI for patients with a pacemaker and implantable defibrillators cost?
Please contact our Imaging & Diagnostics centre for pricing information.
Why choose Welbeck?
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.
Booking an MRI for patients with a pacemaker and implantable defibrillators
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.
Overview
What is MRI for patients with pacemakers and implantable defibrillators?
What does MRI for patients with pacemakers and implantable defibrillators involve?
What are the risks of MRI for patients with pacemakers and implantable defibrillators?
How to prepare for an MRI for patients with a pacemaker and implantable defibrillators
Recovery and aftercare
How much does an MRI for patients with a pacemaker and implantable defibrillators cost?
Why choose Welbeck?
Booking an MRI for patients with a pacemaker and implantable defibrillators
Health Insurance
Doctor Referral Only
You will generally need to get a referral letter from your NHS GP, Private GP, or other doctor to access this service or treatment. Find out more including how we can assist you
Self-Pay Available
This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.