Performing MRIs in Brookings for Patients with Implants or Stimulators

Implants and stimulators such as pain pumps, spinal cord stimulators, bladder stimulators and insulin pumps help patients to remain healthy while also improving their quality of life. 

However, when those patients need MRIs, special considerations need to be made to ensure patients do not experience adverse effects from the imaging procedure.

“Everything needs approval prior to imaging,” said Director of Imaging and Respiratory Services Nikki Winseman. “Many of the companies who manufacture these devices now are using materials that are MRI-safe. Before we scan a patient, our team still must look up devices to see if they are MRI compatible and if there are restrictions, such as an amount of time a patient can be in an MRI or if contrast can be used. The area of the body being scanned also plays a role.”

To determine if they can safely scan the patient, Brookings Health’s MRI technologists need as much information about the device as possible, including the name, model number, location and how long it has been implanted. From that information, technologists can look up the device and determine if they can safely perform the procedure in Brookings for the patient.

“If the patient has a device our team has not been educated on, we will refer the patient to someone who can safely scan them,” Winseman added. “Our technologists are continually educating themselves on implants and stimulators so we can provide patients the convenience of having their procedure safely performed in Brookings.”

Providers who have questions about MRI scans for patients with stimulators and implants are encouraged to call Brookings Health’s radiology team at (605) 696-9000.

For more information:

Nicole Winseman, CNMT, CHT
Director of Imaging and Respiratory Services
(605) 696-8057
nwinseman@brookingshealth.org