TIMING OF MRI DATA ACQUISITION INVOLVING IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES

摘要

The invention is directed to techniques in which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is coordinated with the operation of an implantable medical device (IMD). By using an IMD to sense conditions, MRI can be improved because the sensed conditions can accurately define timing for application of electromagnetic radiation bursts. Moreover, by applying stimulation pulses specifically to coordinate the electromagnetic radiation bursts, the MRI may also be improved. In one embodiment, a cardiac pacemaker is used to sense the ECG of the subject and transmit the ECG to the MRI scanner. Moreover, the pacemaker may be used to alter the heart frequency of the subject (e.g. induction of arrhythmia).