What Is A Safe Magnet For Patients With Gastroesophageal Junction Implants?

If you are working on diagnosis or treatment with your healthcare provider, they may need to order MRI diagnostics in order to better understand your condition. However, if you are a patient who also has a gastroesophageal junction implant, this can pose risks. Here’s what to know if you are in need of MRI scans and are wondering if it is safe, given your gastroesophageal junction implant.

What Is A Gastroesophageal Junction Implant?

A gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) implant is a device that is surgically implanted via a laparoscopic procedure. It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and is inserted into the lower esophagus where it serves to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter. When this sphincter is not functioning properly it can allow stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus, thus causing reflux. This device utilizes a ring of titanium beads with magnetic cores, connected by titanium wires. 

Are Gastroesophageal Junction Implants Safe For MRI?

Both the metal and magnets involved in a gastroesophageal device make it problematic for a patient to undergo an MRI. This is because MRI scans utilize powerful magnets to generate images of internal organs and body structures, and those magnets can interact with metal objects that are either on or in the body. The forceful pull of the machine’s magnetic field can dislodge items, causing damage to the device and injury to the patient. Sometimes an MRI can also generate excessive heat when interacting with metal items, leading to device damage and burns. On top of these serious risks, interaction with metal objects can also blur or distort MRI images. If precautions are not taken, an MRI done with any metal implanted device could result in patient injury and/or device malfunction. 

The key thing to know is the measurement of magnetic flux density, or magnetic strength, that a device currently utilizes, measured in Tesla units. Then you need to know the Tesla level of the MRI scans that you will be undergoing. Junction implant devices are “MR Conditional” meaning that the tolerated Tesla level is conditional to the level of the MRI equipment. Devices that were implanted before May 2015 are generally MR Conditional at 0.7T, while newer models are Conditional typically at 1.5T. You can find your device’s MR Conditional level on your implant card, or you can likely acquire that information from your medical records.

Ensure that your current healthcare provider who is ordering the MRI scans is aware of your gastroesophageal junction implant. Discuss the situation with them to ensure that you can remain safe and your device can continue to function well for you. Ask what options are available to you for other tests. And if you have questions, feel free to contact our office for more information.

Open MRI and Gastroesophageal Junction Implants

Unlike traditional closed or high-field MRI machines, open MRIs generally have a lower Tesla rating, as they operate at a lower magnetic field strength. Typically, open MRI equipment registers between 0.2 and 1.2 Tesla. Depending on the model of gastroesophageal junction implant you have, an open MRI may be considered safe for you. That said, this is still a personal decision that you will need to decide for yourself, along with the advice of your physician.

If you decide that an open MRI is right for you, Advantage Diagnostics is here to help. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about open MRI technology.