Design and Construction of Resistive Tapered Cylindrical Leads to Reduce RF-Induced Heating During MRI

Motivation: RF-induced heating at the tips of conductive leads in active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) during MRI poses safety risks and limits patient MRI access. Goal(s): Our goal is to develop a novel lead design that reduces RF-induced heating during MRI, enhancing safety for patients with AIMDs. Approach: We designed a resistive tapered cylindrical (RTC) lead with variable conductivity along its length, constructed prototypes, and conducted experimental testing comparing temperature rise with a uniform-conductivity control wire. Results: Experimental results showed a significant reduction in temperature rise at RTC lead tips compared to control wires, suggesting RTC leads can improve MRI safety for AIMD patients. Impact: The RTC lead design significantly reduces RF-induced heating during MRI, offering a practical solution to enhance MRI safety for patients with AIMDs and potentially expanding safe MRI access.