Program Information

MRI Safety

R Pooley

M Bernstein

A Panda

Y Shu
no image available
K Gorny

J Felmlee

R Pooley¹, M Bernstein², A Panda³, Y Shu², K Gorny², J Felmlee², (1) Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, (2) Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, (3) Mayo Clinic, Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ

Presentations

TH-C-18C-1 Thursday 10:15AM - 12:15PM Room: 18C

Clinical diagnostic medical physicists may be responsible for implementing and maintaining a comprehensive MR safety program. Accrediting bodies including the ACR, IAC, Radsite and The Joint Commission each include aspects of MR Safety into their imaging accreditation programs; MIPPA regulations further raise the significance of non-compliance. In addition, The Joint Commission recently announced New and Revised Diagnostic Imaging Standards for accredited health care organizations which include aspects of MR Safety. Hospitals and clinics look to the physicist to understand guidelines, regulations and accreditation requirements related to MR safety.

The clinical medical physicist plays a significant role in a clinical practice by understanding the physical basis for the risks and acting as a facilitator to successfully implement a safety program that provides well-planned siting, allows for the safe scanning of certain implanted devices, and helps radiologists manage specific patient exams. The MRI scanning of specific devices will be discussed including cardiac pacemakers and neurostimulators such as deep brain stimulators. Furthermore for sites involved in MR guided interventional procedures, the MR physicist plays an essential role to establish safe practices. Creating a framework for a safe MRI practice includes the review of actual safety incidents or close calls to determine methods for prevention in the future.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the requirements and recommendations related to MR safety from accrediting bodies and federal regulations.
2. Understand the Medical Physicistâ€™s roles to ensure MR Safety.
3. Identify best practices for dealing with implanted devices, including pacemakers and deep brain stimulators.
4. Review aspects of MR safety involved in an MR guided interventional environment.
5. Understand the important MR safety aspects in actual safety incidents or near misses.