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Before the Procedure

Before the exam, the doctor will explain the procedure and offer patients the opportunity to ask any questions about the procedure.

If the procedure involves the use of contrast dye, patients will be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear. If patients have had a previous reaction to any contrast dye, or if allergic to iodine or seafood, notify the technologist.

Generally, there is no special restriction on diet or activity prior to an MRI procedure.

It is extremely important that patients inform the technologist if any of the following apply:

Sedative medication may be given if patients have claustrophobia and/or anxiety that would make it difficult for you to remain still during the procedure. Based upon each patient’s medical condition, the doctor may request other specific preparations.

During the Procedure

Cardiac MRI may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of a stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on a patient’s condition and your doctor’s approach.

Generally, an MRI of the heart follows this process:

1. Patients will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, hairpins, removable dental work, or other objects that may interfere with the procedure.
2. If patients are asked to remove clothing, a gown will be given to wear.
3. If patients are to have a procedure done with contrast, an intravenous (IV) line will be started in the hand or arm for injection of the contrast dye.
4. Patients will lie on a scan table that slides into a large circular opening of the scanning machine. Pillows and straps may be used to prevent movement during the procedure.
5. The technologist will be in another room where the scanner controls are located. However, patients will be in constant sight of the technologist through a window. Speakers inside the scanner will enable the technologist to communicate with and hear patients. A call button is available to let the technologist know if there are any problems during the procedure. The technologist will be watching at all times and will be in constant communication.
6. A surface coil may be placed over the area to be examined.
7. Patients will be given earplugs or a headset to wear to help block out the noise from the scanner. Some headsets may provide music to listen to during the exam.
8. During the scanning process, a clicking noise will sound as the magnetic field is created and pulses of radio waves are sent from the scanner.
9. It will be important for patients to remain very still during the examination, as any movement could cause distortion and affect the quality of the scan.
10. At intervals, patients may be instructed to hold their breath for a few seconds. Patients will be told when to resume breathing. Patients should not have to hold their breath for longer than a few seconds.
11. If contrast dye is used for the procedure, patients may feel some effects when the dye is injected into the IV line. These effects include coolness or discomfort at the IV site, and should only last for a few moments.
12. Patients should notify the technologist if feeling any breathing difficulties, sweating, numbness, or heart palpitations.
13. Once the scan has been completed, the table will slide out of the scanner and patient will be assisted off the table.
14. If an IV line was inserted for contrast administration, the line will be removed.

While the MRI procedure itself causes no pain, having to lie still for the length of the procedure might cause some discomfort or pain, particularly in the case of a recent injury or invasive procedure such as surgery. The technologist will use all possible comfort measures and complete the procedure as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort or pain.

On occasion, some patients with metal fillings in their teeth may experience some slight tingling of the teeth during the procedure.

After the Procedure

After the cardiac MRI procedure is completed, the following notes should be considered:

• Patients should move slowly when getting up from the scanner table to avoid any dizziness or lightheadedness from lying flat for the length of the procedure.
  
• If any sedatives were taken for the procedure, patients may be required to rest until the sedatives have worn off. Patients will also need to avoid driving.
  
• If contrast dye is used during the procedure, patients may be monitored for a period of time for any side effects or reactions to the contrast dye, such as itching, swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing.
  
• If pain, redness, and/or swelling at the IV site occurs after you return home following your procedure, patients should notify their doctor as this could indicate an infection or other type of reaction.
  

Otherwise, there is no special type of care required after a MRI scan of the heart. Patients may resume your normal diet and activities, unless the doctor advises differently.

The doctor may give additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on each patient’s needs.