Devising a Protocol for MRI Clearance in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED)

Authors

Sienna Luk, HCA HealthcareFollow
Alvin Mathew
Darshan Bhatty
Kamran Rizvi, HCA HealthcareFollow

Files

Division

North Texas

Hospital

Medical City Arlington

Specialty

Internal Medicine

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2026

Keywords

cardiac implantable electronic devices, CIED, MRI, patient safety, quality improvement

Disciplines

Cardiovascular Diseases | Diagnosis | Equipment and Supplies | Internal Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences | Quality Improvement

Abstract

Background: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) remains a logistical challenge in many clinical settings. At Medical City Denton, the absence of a standardized institutional policy has led to significant inefficiencies, including prolonged hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. The primary objective of this project was to address these barriers by developing a streamlined, evidence-based protocol to improve care coordination and resource utilization for patients with CIEDs requiring diagnostic imaging.

Methods: Launched in 2026, this pilot initiative utilized a multi-stakeholder approach involving hospitalists, EPs, radiology staff, and device representatives. A core component of the intervention was the implementation of a new clinical algorithm designed to bypass the traditional EP consult for patients meeting specific safety criteria:

Device Status: Confirmed MRI-conditional device from Medtronic or Abbott. Lead Integrity: Chest X-ray (CXR) within the previous 5 months confirming no abandoned, retained, fractured, or epicardial leads.

Documentation: Verified patient consent and existing device documentation. The primary metrics for evaluating the pilot’s efficacy included hospital Length of Stay (LOS) and the "Time-to-Imaging" interval. Results: Already have established baseline year round data from 2025. Plan to implement new policy in February, 2026.

Conclusion: (Pending collecting data and result) Implementing a criteria-based algorithm for CIED-MRI clearance effectively reduces administrative delays without compromising patient safety. By delegating clearance for documented, stable Medtronic and Abbott systems to a standardized pathway, institutions can optimize specialist utilization and decrease the total cost of care. This pilot serves as a model for a planned division-wide rollout.

Original Publisher

HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education

Recommended Citation

Luk, Sienna; Mathew, Alvin; Bhatty, Darshan; and Rizvi, Kamran, "Devising a Protocol for MRI Clearance in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED)" (2026). North Texas Research Forum 2026. 35.
https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/northtexas2026/35