MRI with a CI: Using the propeller technique reduces artifacts in children with cochlear implants

Abstract

The authors carried out 1.5 T MRI examination without removing the CI magnet in two children with a cochlear implant (CI). In the first child, a conventional MRI scanning technique was used, which produced an image that was not clinically useful due to artifact size. He/she was scanned again using the ‘propeller technique’. This scan had a reduced artifact and was clinically useful. The second child was scanned using the propeller technique while asleep. The image was clinically useful. The authors conclude that the propeller technique is safe and of benefit to clinical diagnosis because it enables clinically useful images to be generated in a 1.5 T MRI without necessitating CI magnet removal and reimplantation surgeries.

Keywords:

• Cochlear implant
• MRI
• propeller technique
• artifact
• magnet

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Michael Todd (MED-EL) who provided English language help on a version of this manuscript and Martin Zimmerling for his contribution.

Informed consent

Authors confirm that consent was obtained from the patients for this study.

Disclosure statement

Author Zhi Shu is, as noted on the title page, a MED-EL employee. Otherwise the authors report no conflicts of interest.