Published on: 1 November 2024
A dedicated service has launched to help patients who have had devices fitted to help their hearts stay local for their MRI scan.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) has launched a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) session especially for people who have a Cardiac Implanted Electronic Device (CIED).
These devices include pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD).
The service, based at South Tyneside District Hospital, welcomed its first patients this summer.
Before it was launched, patients either had to face lengthy waits for appointments at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle or had to have an alternative test.
Patients can now have their scan closer to home and with a much shorter waiting time, which is key when a patient is waiting for a diagnosis.
The service has been launched thanks to a collaboration between cardiology consultants, cardiac physiologists and the MRI team at the Trust.
Consultant Alykhan Bandali and MRI Lead Radiologist Miles Weston, front, with Chief Physiologists Eloise Shearer and Anthony Williams and Senior MRI Radiographer Laura Langley.
They have set up a safe referral and examination session, which has welcomed more than a dozen patients so far, with further clinics booked in.
MRI scanners use very strong magnetic and radiofrequency fields to create a detailed image of the inside of the body. These magnets can affect electronic and metallic implants. For those with CIEDs in place, cardiac physiologists are on hand to make sure a patient is safe and monitored during the MRI.
Around 2,500 patients with the Trust have an CIED, with the sessions open to all those referred from across its area. As it stands, all referrals to the team are made within the Trust.
The STS Charity, which is run by the Trust to support its services, staff and extras for patients, has helped back the project by agreeing to fund additional specialised equipment used to run the sessions.
Consultant Cardiologist Alykhan Bandali is among the Trust staff to run the sessions.
He has previously helped set up a cardiovascular MRI service for the Trust. These scans can also help diagnose conditions, including some cancers, and monitor how the heart works.
Dr Bandali said:
"There are times when an MRI is just what we need to gather the information to make that step forward in someone’s care.
“The number of patients who have CIEDs is growing and these devices are helping people live longer. Meanwhile, we know demand also rising for MRIs to help us diagnose an illness or monitor their condition.
“This is especially pressing when it comes to carrying out checks to find out if a patient has cancer, because the sooner treatment starts, the better.
“MRI is also an invaluable tool in the investigation or a wide range of other issues including musculoskeletal and neurological and when investigating the abdomen and pelvic areas.
“Having that scan closer to home is especially welcome when someone isn’t feeling well or for our older patients and their loved ones. These MRIs are a great addition to the service we offer and I’m delighted our teams are working together to make it possible.”
MRI scans for patients with CIEDs are also carried out by Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, South Tees NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.
The introduction of the checks by STSFT means the service means this service is in line with the care offered elsewhere in the region.
More details about the work of the Trust’s Cardiology Team can be found through its Cardiology page, while information about its Radiology Department is available via its page.
Details about the work of the STS Charity can be found through its own section of the Trust website.
