MRIystävällisiä

MRIystävällisiä is a Finnish term that translates to "MRI-friendly" or "MRI-compatible" in English. It refers to objects, materials, or medical implants that can be safely used within or near a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner. The strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses used in MRI can interact with certain materials, causing them to heat up, move, or produce artifacts that interfere with image quality. Therefore, items designated as MRIystävällisiä have been specifically designed and tested to avoid these hazardous interactions.

The primary concern with non-MRIystävällisiä items is their metallic composition. Ferromagnetic materials, which are strongly attracted to magnets, can become projectiles in the strong magnetic field, posing a serious safety risk to patients and staff. Additionally, the electrical conductivity of some metals can lead to induced currents when exposed to radiofrequency pulses, causing dangerous tissue heating. Consequently, medical devices, implants, and even everyday objects that might be present in an MRI suite must be carefully screened for their MRI compatibility.

Manufacturers of medical devices, such as pacemakers, aneurysm clips, and prosthetic joints, rigorously test their products to determine their MRIystävällisiä status. This testing typically involves evaluating the device's magnetic susceptibility, radiofrequency-induced heating, and potential for image artifact generation. For an item to be considered MRIystävällisiä, it must meet specific safety standards, often defined by international guidelines. Patients undergoing MRI scans are often asked to provide a detailed list of any implanted devices or foreign objects they may have to ensure their safety.