Is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) feasible with an indwelling transpulmonary thermodilution catheter: data from an observational analysis and from a survey.

Introduction Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a widespread procedure in critical care patients. Some of these patients are equipped with implanted cardiovascular diagnostic or therapeutic devices. The main risks during MRI are movement due to magnetic attraction and burns. The risks depend on quality and quantity of the implanted conductive metallic material as well as on the strength of the magnetic field. There is confusion which patients with which devices can safely undergo MRI. This also applies to transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) catheters which currently are not approved to be left in place during MRI. However, risks of delaying MRI until the catheter can be removed, potential harms of removal and risks and costs of repeated arterial cannulation have to be outweighed.