Safety consideratrion of neurosurgery anesthesia for intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Objective To discuss the safety issues related to intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) in neurosurgical anesthesia.Methods We observed neurosurgery patients undergone MRI scanning in iMRI operation room preoperatively,intraoperatively and in diagnostic room shortly after operation between February to July in 2009. All patients were investigated for MRI contraindication preoperatively.The doctors and nurses participated in the procedure were trained strictly.The patients finished MRI scanning with general anesthesia.With the support of MRI-compatible machines(anesthetic machine,monitor,infusion pumps),safety issues related to scanning were recorded.Results All patients finished the MRI scanning safely,including 120 cases undergone intraoperative scanning(the average scannig times Wag 1.7 min)and 13 cases undergone postoperatively scannig.Patients remained stable during scanning.There was remarkably strong interference on electrocardiogram(ECG)in static MRI field and different scanning sequences,such as ECG baseline changed,muhiphagic ST-segment alterations andsevere arrhythmia,moreover the vital signs were stable.All anasthetic procedures were performed successfully,and the instruments were running well. There Wag no MRI-scanning releated complication.Conclusions During iMRI scanning,the safety considerations are important which need team-working.Anaesthetists play an important role to guarantee the patients'safety.Safety precautions and vigilance are necessary. Key words: Magnetic resonance imaging; Intraoperative period; Safety; Anesthesia; Neurosurgery