Overview
 

Safety continues to be one of the most important topics for the MR community. Because the field of MRI continuously evolves, it is necessary to reconsider bioeffects and safety issues according to changes that have occurred in MR technology and with regard to using the latest evidence-based guidelines to ensure safety for patients and staff members. Issues exist with regard to the safe use of 3-Tesla and higher MR systems (i.e., acoustic noise, RF heating, chronic-exposure, pregnancy, etc.) and MRI-guided procedures. Additionally, the preservation of a safe MRI environment requires constant attention to the management of patients with metallic implants and devices because the variety, complexity and safety issues for these objects constantly changes (e.g., cardiac pacemakers, neurostimulation systems, cochlear implants). Therefore, information for implants and devices that have recently undergone evaluation must be acknowledged and properly implemented into screening procedures. Also, new standards and guidelines have been developed by regulatory agencies and other organizations. This Workshop will provide several Special Focus Sessions to cover these critical topics. In addition to invited scientific and educational lectures, the MRI Safety Workshop program will include presentations of proffered papers and poster sessions.
 
Audience Description:

The audience for this workshop will include radiologists, MRI technologists, MRI physicists, physiologists, bioengineers, MRI researchers from a variety of disciplines, MRI system and accessory manufacturers, regulatory affairs personnel, specialists in MRI-guided procedures and instrumentation, and designers and manufacturers of biomedical implants and devices.
 
Educational Objectives:

Upon completion of this workshop participants will be able to:

  • Define the general bioeffects and safety issues associated with MRI procedures.

  • Implement the latest evidence-based safety guidelines, policies and procedures.

  • List the unique safety issues associated with the use of scanners operating at 3-Tesla and higher.

  • Recommend methods to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers and to prevent accidents in the MRI environment.

  • Recognize proper safety precautions for screening and scanning patients with implants, especially electronically activated devices.

  • Identify appropriate safety policies and equipment for interventional MRI procedures.