Are penile implants Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) safe?

MRI Safety of Penile Implants

Currently available penile implants in the United States are MRI safe, and patients with these devices can safely undergo MRI procedures. 1

Classification of MRI Safety for Implants

Medical implants are categorized into three distinct safety classifications for MRI environments:

• MR Safe: Contains no materials that present a hazard at any magnetic field strength
• MR Conditional: Safe to scan under specific conditions detailed by the manufacturer
• MR Unsafe: Presents unacceptable risk to patients if used within the MR environment 1

The term "MR compatible" is considered ambiguous and should no longer be used in clinical practice 1.

Current Penile Implants and MRI Safety

According to the American Urological Association guidelines, all penile prostheses currently manufactured and marketed in the United States have no MRI contraindications 1. This represents a significant improvement from older devices:

• An ex-vivo MRI study of nine different types of penile prosthetics found that only the OmniPhase device (Dacomed, Minneapolis, MN) had movement/deflection in a 1.5 Tesla MRI 1
• The OmniPhase and Duraphase prostheses (previously manufactured by Endocare) were not MRI compatible, but these devices are no longer marketed 1, 2

Considerations When Scheduling MRI for Patients with Penile Implants

When scheduling an MRI for a patient with a penile implant:

1. Verify the specific device model: Although current US devices are MRI safe, it's important to confirm the exact make and model, particularly for older implants 1

2. Consult with the MR Responsible Person: This individual can access appropriate manufacturer's guidance for specific implants 1

3. Be aware of potential imaging artifacts: Metal components in penile implants may produce artifacts that could affect image quality, particularly in pelvic imaging 3

4. Document the device in patient records: Ensure proper documentation of the specific implant model in the patient's medical record 1

Special Considerations

• Older devices: Patients with older penile implants (particularly those implanted outside the US or before 2005) should have their specific device verified before MRI 1, 2

• Unknown implant type: If the specific model cannot be determined, consultation with both urology and radiology is recommended to assess risk 1

• Imaging quality: While safety is not a concern with current implants, the metal components may cause localized image artifacts that could limit diagnostic value in the immediate area 3

Clinical Applications of MRI in Patients with Penile Implants

MRI can actually be beneficial for evaluating penile prosthesis-related complications when clinical examination is equivocal. It can detect:

• Prosthesis malrotation, angulation, or displacement
• Potential erosion
• Cylinder position issues 4

MRI is considered superior to other imaging methods for defining soft tissue contrast and demonstrating penile anatomy in three orthogonal planes 3.

In summary, current penile implants available in the United States are MRI safe, and patients with these devices can safely undergo MRI procedures without concern for device movement, dislodgement, or heating effects.