A specific model of spinal cord stimulator was associated with RF noise artifacts in ~50% of MR exams, compared to 1%-8% of exams in patients with other models from the same manufacturer.
Cohort (n=122)
Does a specific model of high frequency spinal cord stimulator cause more RF noise artifacts on MRI compared to other models?
A specific model of high frequency spinal cord stimulator is associated with a high rate (~50%) of RF noise artifacts on MRI, which can lead to service costs and scheduling delays.
ABSTRACT Unexpected RF noise artifact “followed” a patient with an implanted spinal cord stimulator to multiple MR systems. Subsequent testing and clinical scanning showed no artifact, implying that the artifact originated from the implanted device. MR exams ( n = 173) performed over a two‐year period in patients ( n = 122) who had implanted spinal cord stimulators from the same manufacturer were reviewed for artifacts and device models. RF noise artifacts were observed in ~50% of exams in patients with a specific model of spinal cord stimulator, but only ~1%–8% of exams in other models from the same manufacturer. We hope that by describing this artifact, health care professionals can avoid service costs and scheduling delays.
Stinson et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Implanted spinal cord stimulators (n=122). Specific model of spinal cord stimulator vs. Other models from the same manufacturer was evaluated on RF noise artifacts during MR exams. A specific model of spinal cord stimulator was associated with RF noise artifacts in ~50% of MR exams, compared to 1%-8% of exams in patients with other models from the same manufacturer.
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