From the Guidelines
Titanium clips are generally considered safe for MRI procedures, and patients with these clips can typically undergo MRI scans without concern for complications. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, published in 2025, provides guidance on the safety of MRI examinations for patients with implants, including titanium clips. According to this study, implants can be labeled as "MRI safe" or "MRI conditional," and titanium clips are typically considered "MRI safe" due to their non-magnetic properties.
Key Considerations
- Titanium clips are non-magnetic and will not move or heat significantly during an MRI, making them compatible with MRI environments 1.
- Patients should always inform their healthcare providers about any implanted devices or clips before an MRI to ensure safety and minimize potential artifacts.
- In rare cases, some clips may contain small amounts of other metals alongside titanium, which could potentially cause issues.
- Very large titanium implants might create imaging artifacts that can reduce image quality in the immediate area around the clip, though this doesn't pose a safety risk.
Safety Precautions
- Modern medical facilities have protocols to verify implant safety before MRI procedures, and radiologists can often adjust scanning parameters to minimize any potential artifacts from titanium clips 1.
- The study published in 2025, 1, emphasizes the importance of obtaining information about the conditions necessary for a safe MRI examination for patients with implants labeled as "MRI conditional."
- It is essential to follow strict institutional safety procedures to prevent medical staff or patients from inadvertently approaching the magnet with ferromagnetic objects that could cause harm.
From the Research
Titanium Clips and MRI Compatibility
- Titanium clips have been found to be compatible with MRI scans, with minimal interaction with the magnetic field 2, 3
- Studies have shown that titanium clips produce limited artifacts on MRI images, making them a safe choice for patients who require MRI scans after aneurysm clipping 4, 3
- However, some studies have reported temperature increases on titanium alloy aneurysm clips during 7T MRI scans, with some clips exceeding the regulatory limit 5
- The use of titanium clips in 1.5T and 3T MRI scans has been found to cause image distortion and artifacts, but the geometric accuracy of 1.5T MRI is better than 3T MRI 6
- Different types of titanium clips have been found to have varying effects on MRI images, with some clips producing more artifacts than others 5, 4
Safety Considerations
- Titanium clips have been found to be safe for use in MRI scans at 1.5T or less, with no magnetic attraction and minor heating 3
- However, temperature increases on titanium alloy aneurysm clips during 7T MRI scans may pose a risk to patients, and caution should be exercised when using these clips in high-field MRI scans 5
- The presence of titanium clips in the brain may cause image distortion and artifacts on MRI images, which can affect treatment planning for conditions such as cerebral aneurysms 6