Is the Boston Scientific (Boston Scientific) PACER (Pacemaker) model M3 12 compatible with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

MRI Compatibility of Boston Scientific PACER Model M3 12

You must verify the specific MRI-conditional status of the Boston Scientific PACER model M3 12 directly with the manufacturer's technical specifications or device manual, as this exact model designation is not explicitly addressed in the available clinical guidelines.

Critical First Step: Device Verification

• Contact Boston Scientific directly or review the device's technical manual to confirm whether this specific model (M3 12) is designated as "MRI-conditional" 1
• The term "MRI-conditional" means the device has been specifically designed and tested to be safe under defined MRI conditions, typically at 1.5 Tesla 2
• Do not proceed with MRI without confirmed MRI-conditional status, as conventional (non-MRI-conditional) pacemakers carry significant risks during MRI 1

If Device is MRI-Conditional

Boston Scientific's ImageReady™ system has been documented as safe for both 1.5T and 3T MRI when following manufacturer protocols 3

Safety Requirements Before MRI:

• Device must be implanted for at least 6 weeks to ensure lead maturation and position stabilization 1, 2
• Exclude patients with abandoned or epicardial leads, which are prone to dangerous heating 1
• Record baseline device parameters: lead impedance, capture threshold, P/R wave amplitude, and battery voltage 1

During MRI Procedure:

• Qualified personnel must monitor the patient throughout the entire MRI scan with continuous ECG monitoring 1
• Follow manufacturer's specific programming instructions, which typically involve automatic mode switching via external physician-activated device 1
• For pacemaker-dependent patients: program to asynchronous mode (VOO/DOO) to prevent inappropriate inhibition 1
• For non-pacemaker-dependent patients: program to inhibited mode (VVI/DDI) 1

After MRI:

• Immediately re-check all device variables and compare with baseline measurements 1
• Restore original programming settings 1
• Schedule 1-month follow-up to confirm sustained device function 3

If Device is NOT MRI-Conditional

Conventional pacemakers can potentially undergo MRI at 1.5T with appropriate precautions, but this carries higher risk and requires careful risk-benefit assessment 1

Key Considerations:

• The European Society of Cardiology gives this a Class IIb recommendation (may be considered), indicating the benefit-risk ratio is less favorable 1
• Consultation with an electrophysiology specialist is mandatory before proceeding 1
• Alternative imaging modalities (CT, echocardiography) should be strongly considered first 1

Documented Risks with Conventional Devices:

• Radiofrequency-induced heating of lead tips (potentially causing myocardial damage) 1
• Pacing inhibition or dysfunction 1
• Induction of atrial or ventricular tachyarrhythmias 1
• Reed switch activation causing asynchronous pacing 1, 4
• Complete inhibition of atrial and ventricular output 5
• Dangerous high-rate atrial pacing (up to 800 beats/minute documented) 5
• Changes in capture threshold or loss of programmed data 1

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

• Never assume MRI compatibility based on device age or manufacturer alone—each specific model must be verified 1
• No data exists for MRI at field strengths >1.5T for most devices, even those labeled MRI-conditional, though some newer systems (like ImageReady™) have 3T data 1, 3
• The closer the scanning area is to the pacemaker system, the higher the risk of complications 1
• Do not perform MRI within 6 weeks of implantation due to risk of lead dislodgement 1, 2