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An optically coupled sensor for the measurement of currents induced by MRI gradient fields into endocardial leads

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Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Object

The gradient fields generated during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures have the potential to induce electrical current on implanted endocardial leads. Whether this current can result in undesired cardiac stimulation is unknown.

Materials and methods

This paper provides a detailed description of how to construct an optically coupled sensor for the measurement of gradient-field–induced currents into endocardial leads. The system is based on a microcontroller that works as analog-to-digital converter and sends the current signal acquired from the lead to an optical high-speed, light-emitting diode transmitter. A plastic fiber guides the light outside the MRI chamber to a photodiode receiver and then to an acquisition board connected to a PC laptop.

Results

The performance of the system has been characterized in terms of power consumption (8 mA on average), sampling frequency (20.5 kHz), measurement range (−12.8 to 10.3 mA) and resolution (22.6 µA). Results inside a 3 T MRI scanner are also presented.

Conclusions

The detailed description of the current sensor could permit more standardized study of MRI gradient current induction in pacemaker systems. Results show the potential of gradient currents to affect the pacemaker capability of triggering a heartbeat, by modifying the overall energy delivered by the stimulator.

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Acknowledgments

The research is part of the strategic project “Direct and indirect risks for the safety of workers and patients from new electromagnetic sources in the healthcare environment,” funded by the Italian Ministry of Health.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical standards

The manuscript does not contain clinical studies or patient data.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Technology and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy

    Eugenio Mattei, Federica Censi, Michele Triventi & Giovanni Calcagnini

  2. Clinical Technology Innovations Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy

    Antonio Napolitano, Elisabetta Genovese & Vittorio Cannatà

Authors
  1. Eugenio Mattei
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  2. Federica Censi
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  3. Michele Triventi
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  4. Antonio Napolitano
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  5. Elisabetta Genovese
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  6. Vittorio Cannatà
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  7. Giovanni Calcagnini
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eugenio Mattei.

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Mattei, E., Censi, F., Triventi, M. et al. An optically coupled sensor for the measurement of currents induced by MRI gradient fields into endocardial leads. Magn Reson Mater Phy 28, 291–303 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10334-014-0463-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10334-014-0463-2

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