Safety:  CONDITIONAL

Bottom line: MRI permissible if all conditions are met

Breast Implants/Spacers/Tissue Expanders

Safety:  Conditional

Risks:  Thermal, Displacement

Conditions:

  • If there is a magnetic component (Ex: MagnaSite), the device is NOT MRI permissible.
  • Take precautions to limit and monitor for symptoms of thermal injury
  • MRI for patients with tissue expanders is permitted for other indications if: 1) there is no alternative examination that could give equivalent information, 2) informed consent is obtained, and 3) appropriate guidelines are followed.
  • Imaging patients with indwelling breast tissue expanders for perforator flap angiography (PFA) at 1.5 Tesla, prior to breast reconstruction.

Comments:

  • A hand magnet can be used to determine if there is a magnetic component.
  • A radiograph can be used to determine if there is a metallic component.
  • Patients must provide an implant card or surgical report indicating the exact make and model of their implanted tissue expander. CO2 (AIREXPANDER) tissue expanders which contain an indwelling CO2 cartridge that may be triggered by the MR and discharge the entire cartridge of CO2 cannot be scanned under any circumstances and therefore is an absolute contraindication to MRI. 
  • Patients with indwelling, saline filled, breast tissue expanders scheduled for a MRI will be imaged if written consent is obtained from the patient by the referring MD or Radiologists following discussion of risks/benefits and of potential imaging alternatives.
  • Implant must be in place for at least 14 days prior to imaging.
  • Field strength should not exceed 1.5T.
  • Implant must be filled with ≥ 240 mL of saline or ≥ 360 mL of air to reduce torque.
  • Prone positioning preferred when possible.
  • MRI must be monitored by PA, Nurse or MD and as per routine protocol, patients should be given the squeeze-ball to activate a signal audible to the technologist in the event they are uncomfortable.
  • These studies should not be performed in sedated or non-responsive patients who are not able to communicate reliably.

Bottom Line: MRI Permissible if all conditions are met