MRI Scans for Patients With Pacemakers or Defibrillators
Many people with cardiac implantable electronic devices can undergo MRI when the clinical need, device system and available safety pathway are reviewed carefully.
A pacemaker or defibrillator is not an automatic barrier to MRI.
Historically, implanted cardiac devices were often treated as a contraindication to MRI. Evidence, device technology and organised safety pathways have changed practice. The decision still requires specialist review because the generator, leads, implant history, pacing dependence, scan type and local resources all matter.
The Joint British Society consensus recommendations, published in Heart and led by Dr Anish Bhuva as first author, support protocol-led assessment and scanning for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices.
Information reviewed
- The reason MRI is needed and whether it is likely to change care
- Device manufacturer, model and implant date
- Lead type, age and configuration
- Recent device function and battery status
- Whether the patient depends on pacing
- The body area, scanner strength and proposed MRI protocol
- Any abandoned, fractured, epicardial or unusual leads
Prepare the information needed for a pathway decision.
Obtain the MRI request
The request should state the body area and the clinical question so the benefit of MRI can be considered properly.
Locate device records
Bring the implant card and latest pacemaker or defibrillator follow-up report, if available.
Review before booking
The device system and proposed scan should be reviewed before a routine MRI appointment is made.
MRI and cardiac-device questions.
Can I have an MRI scan with a pacemaker or defibrillator?
Many patients with pacemakers or defibrillators can undergo MRI when the clinical need, device and leads are reviewed and a defined safety protocol is available. Eligibility is individual, and the device is usually checked and programmed before and after scanning.
What information is needed before an MRI with a cardiac device?
The team usually needs the MRI request, device manufacturer and model, lead details, implant date, recent device check and whether you depend on pacing. Abandoned, fractured or unusual leads require enhanced specialist review rather than an automatic assumption.
Evidence and review.
Primary reference: Bhuva A, Charles-Edwards G, Ashmore J, et al. Joint British Society consensus recommendations for magnetic resonance imaging for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices. Heart. 2024;110:e3. doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2022-320810.
Written and reviewed by Dr Anish Bhuva, Consultant Cardiologist. Last reviewed 2 September 2026. This page provides general information and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
Request a device-MRI pathway review.
If an MRI has been delayed or declined because of a pacemaker or defibrillator, contact the office with the scan request and available device details. The first step is a safety and pathway review, not a guarantee that every scan can proceed.