Sacral Neuromodulation Device Heating During Lumbar and Pelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging—a Phantom Study

Abstract

To evaluate radiofrequency-induced temperature rises associated with performing lumbar and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies with an implanted sacral neuromodulation device using a phantom model. An accepted phantom model of radiofrequency-induced heating in human tissue was used to measure the temperature rise in the stimulator lead electrodes and impulse generator under the conditions used during routine clinical lumbar and pelvic MRIs in a 1.5Tesla MRI scanner. Testing configurations included an intact device (tined lead connected to generator), an intact lead, and a lead fragment (model of lead fracture). Variations in the position of the phantom relative to the scanner were also tested. During testing with the intact device or the lead fragment no significant heating was detected. In contrast, the isolated intact lead model showed heating up to 5°C. These tests provide preliminary evidence that the risk of heating is low for clinical lumbar and pelvic MRI at 1.5-Tesla with an intact sacral neuromodulation device system and with a fractured lead. However, there is a significant temperature change in the intact lead model.