IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATOR DESIGNED FOR USE IN A MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING ENVIRONMENT

摘要

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) includes a communication interface operable to receive a communication signal from an external programmer. With the ICD not being in the presence of an MRI field generated by an MRI scanner, a communication signal is sent precharging a high energy storage capacitor before the patient undergoes the MRI scan. The signal also switches the ICD into an MRI mode which turns off the ICD's sensing functions detecting a dangerous ventricular arrhythmia. An operator monitors the patient's vital signs with sensors connected to the patient. If the patient does require the defibrillation shock, the operator sends a second communication signal delivering the defibrillation shock from the precharged high energy storage capacitor of the ICD. The patient can then be removed from the MRI scanner and the RF and gradient fields of the MRI scanner turned off.

主权项

1. A method of performing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan on a patient having an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), the method comprising the steps of:
determining that the ICD comprises a ferrite core high voltage power supply transformer; with the ICD not being in the presence of an MRI field generated by an MRI scanner, sending a communication signal from an external programmer to the ICD, the communication signal being a command precharging a high energy storage capacitor of the ICD before the patient undergoes the MRI scan, the command also switching the ICD into an MRI mode, the MRI mode turning off the ICD's sensing functions detecting a dangerous ventricular arrhythmia; connecting sensors to the patient monitoring vital signs of the patient, the sensors displaying the vital signs to an operator on at least one display; moving the patient into the MRI scanner; performing the MRI scan while also monitoring the vital signs of the patient; the operator determining from the display whether the patient requires a defibrillation shock; if the patient does require the defibrillation shock, the operator sending a second communication signal from the external programmer to the ICD, the second communication signal being a second command delivering the defibrillation shock from the precharged high energy storage capacitor of the ICD to the patient while in the presence of the MRI field; removing the patient from the MRI scanner after the MRI scan is completed or after the operator has sent the second command where the ICD delivered the defibrillation shock to the patient while in the presence of the MRI field; and moving the patient substantially away from the MRI main static field.