MRI machine operators usually question people closely about
possible metal fragments remaining in eyes after accidents;
presumably because MRI can move these metal fragments around.
Wouldn't the same apply to the metal plates installed in "shunt"
glaucoma surgery? --- particularly in "brain" MRI scans?
I started wondering after having lower spine and pelvis MRI's
today. I did not think to mention my two shunt surgeries, which
was probably just as well.
Thanks for any comments.
John
Olfart - 30 Mar 2005 15:55 GMT
> MRI machine operators usually question people closely about
> possible metal fragments remaining in eyes after accidents;
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> John
It would depend on the type of metal. I have a titanium implant in my arm.
It is a non-errous metal which is not magnetic. I would imagine your shunts
are non-ferrous metal too, but you might check with your Dr.
eyeguyrc@aol.com - 01 Apr 2005 06:14 GMT
Hi John,
MRI would only be a problem if glaucoma shunts were made of metal,
which they are not. All glaucoma shunts are plastic and/or silicone,
except for the Ex-Press glaucoma minishunt, which is not commonly used
anymore. Those are metal, but I believe they are not magnetic. Hope
that helps.
--Rick Cohn, MD
Glaucoma Specialist