Artificial Valves and MRIs

geebee · Oct 9, 2004

Does anyone have experiences with having an MRI while "owning" an artificial valve? I have a cardiologist who tells me it is dangerous to have an MRI if you have an artificial valve. However, when I lived in California, I had an internist who said it was not a problem.
There have been a couple of times that an MRI would have helped with problems I had but I chose not to have it (this was in California) because of what my Ohio cardiologist had told me. When I moved back to Ohio (earlier this year) and started seeing the same cardiologist, he still says no MRIs.

Any info out there?

Thanks,
Gina

Rich · Oct 9, 2004

Hi Gina,
You should have an I.D. card from St. Jude with all the info regarding your valve.
Some of the newer cards state right on them that an MRI is safe with your valve.
Why don't you contact St. Jude to double check on this.
A St. Jude mechanical valve is made up of carbon and is not endangered by a magnetic field.
Likewise chest wires are made of a non-magnetic metal.
If you do a search on this subject here you will find all kinds of information.
It was just discussed on this forum in length a short time ago.

Rich

Sherry · Oct 10, 2004

Hello, Gina. I agree with everything Rich said. My ID card from St. Jude's states that mine is "MRI compatible." (Had surgery in '97.) Anyway, I had an MRI last year and did fine, well...other than the claustrophobia issues, but that's a topic for another thread

(Mr. V (valium) was my buddy during my second go-around

)

Harpoon · Oct 10, 2004

What they said.

If you have a St. Jude's valve (I think most other companies do this as well, federal regularions maybe, but I don't know for sure) then chances are you got an ID wallet card that lists the type of valve you have, when you got it, from whom, and phone numbers to call for more information.

It will also say that it's MRI compatable (to my knowledge, all SJM valves are.)

If you doubt your cardiologist on it, ask the lab where you would go to get the MRI. They can track down a definitive answer for you.

geebee · Oct 12, 2004

Thanks

Thanks

I have been so busy I haven't checked the replies for the last few days. Thanks to everyone for their assistance.
Unfortunately my ID card doesn't have the MRI info. I guess it was too long ago (1994).
I guess I will call the St. Jude people and ask them.
My cardiologist is not concened about the valve being damaged, he is concerned about it breaking loose during the magnetic field changes. I know he is very conservative but he is fairly young so he is up to date on everything.
I am just not sure of what to think but maybe I just won't need an MRI again so it may not be an issue.
Anyway I will continue my research and cross my fingers and toes.
Gina

Blanche · Oct 12, 2004

Gina:
If you have had the need for a MRI several times, and currently are being considered for one, you really must get information from the manufacturer of your valve. My husband had his mitral valve replaced in October 1990 with a St. Judes. Since then he has had at least 7 MRIs, including one just recently, all with no problems what ever. Nothing was disturbed and nothing broke off....at least nothing that we noticed!!!! I think your young doctor is speaking from the competence of ignorance.

I hope you take care of this real soon. It has to be a terrible worry for you.

Kind regards,

Blanche