Select Committee on Science and Technology Written Evidence

APPENDIX 14

Memorandum from David Grainger MSc, Senior Medical Device Specialist (MR & X-ray Imaging) Device Technology and Safety Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

MRI INCIDENTS CATEGORISED

Static Magnetic Field

—  Ferromagnetic projectiles;

—  Patients scanned with shrapnel fragments;

—  Pacemakers patients scanned accidentally.

Gradient Magnetic Field

—  Excessive noise;

—  Physiological effects.

Radiofrequency Magnetic Field

—  Heating & burns.

Other MRI Specific Issues

—  Cryogen issues;

—  Device incompatibility.

Non MRI specific issues

—  Mechanical and electrical problems;

—  Software problems.

INCIDENT TRENDS 1995-2005

—  MRI Incidents;

—  X-ray equipment incidents;

—  All incident reported to MHRA.

SCAN NUMBERS

  Scan data from: http://www.performance.doh.gov.uk/hospitalactivity/index.htm

  Scanner Numbers from MagNET (a PASA device evaluation centre).

April 2006

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Prepared 29 June 2006