Is it Safe to get a MRI with a Watchman Implant? Hello - one of my doctors wants me to get an MRI and I have a Watchman Implant, so I know I need to bring the card I got after getting it. The person who schedules the MRI's at the facility said they need a few days to check out the info on the device (I believe that's what she said)...anyway, is it typical to have to wait for a clearance before getting an MRI? And with the modifications that need to be done (per the instructions on the Watchman card), will the MRI be as good at getting the needed images? Barb https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191438#msg-191438 Sun, 26 Jul 2026 17:24:48 +0000 Phorum 5.2.23 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191528#msg-191528 Re: Is it Safe to get a MRI with a Watchman Implant? https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191528#msg-191528
Barb]]> tobherd AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 08 Jul 2023 14:14:30 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191510#msg-191510 Re: Is it Safe to get a MRI with a Watchman Implant? https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191510#msg-191510 Madeline AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 05 Jul 2023 21:51:45 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191503#msg-191503 Re: Is it Safe to get a MRI with a Watchman Implant? https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191503#msg-191503 all the time), the consequences could be severe. In the case of a Watchman, there are no restrictions up to 3 Tesla. See the FDA's explanation.]]> Carey AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 05 Jul 2023 18:26:31 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191500#msg-191500 Re: Is it Safe to get a MRI with a Watchman Implant? https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191500#msg-191500 tobherd AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:48:49 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191499#msg-191499 Re: Is it Safe to get a MRI with a Watchman Implant? https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191499#msg-191499
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Madeline
I have never seen on this thread an MRI of what area? Doesn’t that matter? What about an MRI of the brain with and without contrast - would that have any effect on the watchman in the heart?

No. The only area that could possibly affect it would be the chest, the heart to be specific.

The bottom line is the Watchman is MRI safe.]]> Carey AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:46:14 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191497#msg-191497 Re: Is it Safe to get a MRI with a Watchman Implant? https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191497#msg-191497 Madeline AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 05 Jul 2023 12:36:10 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191474#msg-191474 Re: Is it Safe to get a MRI with a Watchman Implant? https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191474#msg-191474
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tobherd
Hi Cary - do you know if the scan is as good at detecting any problems if it's modified to meet the criteria for the Watchman? That concerns me, as it's an important test for me.

They don't need to modify anything. The only precaution is not exposing the device to prolonged time in the MRI because there's concern it could cause the Watchman to heat up. But doing a normal scan is perfectly safe. Early on their was concern about doing an MRI with a freshly implanted device but I believe those concerns have been dropped.

Even if they did need to modify something, they wouldn't bother doing an MRI if it compromised the results. It's a very expensive test.]]> Carey AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 04 Jul 2023 18:51:28 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191471#msg-191471 Re: Is it Safe to get a MRI with a Watchman Implant? https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191471#msg-191471 tobherd AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 04 Jul 2023 17:34:29 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191470#msg-191470 Re: Is it Safe to get a MRI with a Watchman Implant? https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191470#msg-191470
Thanks ~ Barb]]> tobherd AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 04 Jul 2023 17:33:02 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191445#msg-191445 Re: Is it Safe to get a MRI with a Watchman Implant? https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191445#msg-191445
Daisy, you were supposed to be sent home with the card but I wasn't either. You can call Boston Scientific at 855-637-9428 to get a replacement.]]> Carey AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 03 Jul 2023 23:26:35 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191444#msg-191444 Re: Is it Safe to get a MRI with a Watchman Implant? https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191444#msg-191444 Daisy AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 03 Jul 2023 23:18:05 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191440#msg-191440 Re: Is it Safe to get a MRI with a Watchman Implant? https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191440#msg-191440 is it typical to have to wait for a clearance before getting an MRI?

Yes

For MRI safety the Watchman is classified as conditional. I believe watchman can be scanned in a magnet up to 1.5T. Many magnets today are 3T.

need a few days to check out the info

Correct in many facilities the MR safety coordinator becomes involved w reviewing the scan ordered and the manufacturers guidelines.

will the MRI be as good at getting the needed images?

The images should be fine. The watchman may show artifact if it is in the field of view. What may change is the number of images you will get. Many MR units once the tech is inputting your information (names, dob etc) into the computer they will get a pop up on the screen asking if the patient has an implant. In your case the tech will tell it yes. Then that starts opening another set of technical information requests requiring the tech to input. This is why there may be a delay. The tech will have to answer questions provide info on the implant etc. They will also have to input scanning protocol changes based on the manufacturers guidlines. As a result of the manufactures guidelines, which the tech inputs into the system the scan may have to be altered. Not sure on watchman for example if the manufacturer indicates the implant can be scanned they may also indicate but no longer than 15 minutes. So if the scan you are having is normally 30 minutes then the tech has to communicate w the radiologist concerning what images they want.

Despite you have the card a good MRI facility will verify and research before you go anywhere near the magnet.]]> JakeS AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 03 Jul 2023 22:09:26 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191438#msg-191438 Is it Safe to get a MRI with a Watchman Implant? https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,191438,191438#msg-191438
Barb]]> tobherd AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 03 Jul 2023 20:51:46 +0000