Q: Can patient with pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) have MRI?


Answer: Preferably not.

MRI should not be ideally performed in patients with pulmonary artery catheters. It is recommended for these patients to pulmonary artery catheter be temporarily removed for the MRI. PACs contain an electrical thermister that allow for thermodilution measurements. Any electrical conductor, such as this, in the presence of alternating magnetic fields, generate and electrical current which not only can melt parts of the catheter but may induce arrhythmias.