Getting MRI and CT Scans

Contact your doctor if you have any questions about how specific equipment will interact with your implanted medical device.

If you have a pacemaker or an ICD

You should not have an MRI. The extremely strong magnetic fields used in the diagnostic procedure could impair the ICD or pacemaker’s normal functions.

However, you can safely have a CT scan, chest and dental x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, mammography and fluoroscopy.

Learn more about how your device may be affected by electromagnetic fields

If you have a heart valve

Tell the doctor that you have an artificial heart valve and show your ID card, which contains important information about how to perform an MRI safely with your heart valve.

Learn more

What about airport, courtroom or other security areas?

The amount of metal used in most St. Jude Medical implanted medical devices is very small. It is usually not enough to set off the metal detectors; if it does, simply show security personnel your patient identification card. Passing through a metal detector should not hurt your device. However, do not linger near the security system arches or poles. Doing so may interrupt your therapy.

If you have a spinal cord stimulator

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)—You should NOT be subjected to an MRI. The electromagnetic field generated by an MRI may forcefully dislodge implanted components, damage the device electronics, and induce voltage through the lead that could cause a jolting or shocking sensation. Please consult your product manual or doctor for further information.