OVERVIEW
The continuously evolving MR field requires reconsideration of bioeffects and safety issues consistent with changes that have occurred in MR technology, and with regard to using the latest evidence-based guidelines ensuring safety for patients and staff members.  Important issues exist with regard to the
  • Safe use of MR systems (i.e., acoustic noise, RF heating, peripheral nerve stimulation and physiological effects related to the exposure to the static magnetic field);
  • Scanning of special patient groups (pregnancy, diabetics, etc.) and MRI-guided procedures;  
  • Management of patients with active and passive metallic implants and devices;
  • Development of powerful computer applications for simulation calculations and the use of realistic anatomical human models for those simulations, towards the broadening of the scope of safe MR applications.
  • Poorly understood fundamental physiological processes that create the health effects in a number of MR-related conditions;
  • Clinical use of 3-Tesla MR systems, increased utilization of very-high-field scanners (i.e., 7-, 8- and 9.4-Tesla), and growing applications for interventional MRI; and
  • New standards and guidelines  developed by regulatory agencies.

This Workshop will provide Special Focus Sessions to cover these critical topics, disseminating safety knowledge to the MR community and encouraging research into safety and bioeffects.  In addition to invited scientific and educational lectures, the program will include presentations of proffered papers and poster sessions.
 
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this workshop participants will be able to:
1. Define the physiological effects and safety issues associated with MR in general and high field MR systems in particular.
 
2. Implement the latest MR safety guidelines, policies and procedures.
 
3. Recommend methods to ensure the safety of patients, healthcare professionals and MR industry workers to prevent accidents in the MR environment.
 
4. Recognize proper safety precautions for screening and scanning patients with implants, including active implantable medical devices.
 
5. Identify appropriate safety policies and equipment for interventional and intra-operative MR procedures.
 
6. Review the present state of knowledge related to
  • The use of MRI contrast agents
  • Numerically simulated induced electric field and current density within anatomically realistic human models due to exposure to MR related electromagnetic fields
  • Test methods for safety of implants
 
AUDIENCE DESCRIPTION:
The audience for this workshop will include radiologists, physiologists, bioengineers, MR physicists, MRI technologists, MRI site managers, MR researchers from a variety of disciplines in the university and hospital environment, and the MR system, RF coil and accessory manufacturers, regulatory affairs personnel, specialists in MR-guided procedures and instrumentation, MRI contrast agent personnel, designers and manufacturers of biomedical implants and devices.

 

The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine is accredited by the  Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.