Medical Malpractice

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, machines are used extensively in the medical community to produce in-depth, three-dimensional images of the body. Because they offer marked contrast between various forms of soft tissue than other imaging techniques, such as the computed tomography (CT) scan, MRI scans are often used to make scans of the brain, muscles, skeleton, and cardiovascular system.

MRI uses a very strong magnetic field to align the hydrogen atoms in the body. Radio frequency fields are then used to produce a rotating magnetic field which can be imaged by the scanner. It is a very useful, reliable way of getting an in-depth look at the body of a patient, and millions of MRI scans are issued every year.

The Projectile Effect

The intense, powerful magnetic field created by the MRI machines have been known to cause serious injuries and even death. The machine generates a field that can be 60,000 times stronger than the earth's own magnetic field. These incidents are said to be caused by the "projectile effect," in which magnetic items are attracted to the field generated by the machine and come flying towards it.

To prevent the possibility of injury in this fashion, medical tools in the room containing the MRI machine are non-magnetic, and the patient is usually made to change into scrubs or a gown to prevent the possibility of bringing magnetic items into the room. These rooms are often equipped with new magnetic detectors which will determine the presence of any magnetized items, helping prevent the dangers of the projectile effect.

Implants

Certain implanted electronic devices, such as pacemakers, have been known to be affected by the magnetic field of the MRI machine. Patients with pacemakers in particular are precluded from having MRI scans, as the magnetic fields generated by the machines have been known to cause severe heart arrhythmia and even death. If you have a pacemaker, it's important to make your doctor aware of this if he or she is not already prior to going into an MRI machine.

Other implants that may be barred from MRI imaging include vagus nerve stimulators, cardioverter-defibrillators, insulin pumps, and cochlear implants, as well as many others. If you have any implant, you should make sure that your doctors and the MRI technicians know about them before you agree to an MRI scan.

If you're interested in learning more about MRI safety and how to prevent potential dangers, visit the Pennsylvania malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.