Investigation of radiofrequency-induced temperature elevation of aneurysm clips in a 3.0-tesla magnetic resonance environment.

Objective: Burn injuries associated with excessive heating of medical metallic devices have been reported, but a definite mechanism for magnetic resonance imaging-induced heating remains unresolved. The aim of this study is to evaluate temperature elevation of metallic wires, aneurysm clips, and clips attached to metallic wires under 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods: The temperature of the metallic wires, the aneurysm clips, and the clips attached to the metallic wires was measured with a fiber optic thermometer sensor system.

Results: Although the specific absorption rate was less than that observed during standard use, the temperature rapidly increased in the metallic wire. Furthermore, temperature elevation was observed when the clips were attached to metallic wires. On the other hand, not all clips showed obvious temperature elevation when they were placed alone in a 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging environment.

Conclusion: Aneurysm clips, when placed alone in a 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging environment, are confirmed to be safe during temperature elevation.