Keeping pace with technology, L+M offers a new MRI service

L+M Hospital nurses were recently trained in “safe mode” programming, making it possible for patients with pacemakers or defibrillators to receive their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test safely and locally.

Before this training, patients with defibrillators or pacemakers in the New London area were scheduled for MRIs in New Haven. If an MRI is not performed in safe mode, the magnets in the scanners may alter or damage the function of the pacemaker or defibrillator and potentially put patients at risk. In safe mode, modern pacemakers can be paused by trained professionals before an MRI begins. Once the MRI is complete, the pacemaker or defibrillator is reset and gets back to work.

“With staff trained in safe mode our patients can have their tests conducted more conveniently,” said Michele Morgan, RN, a recently trained Cardiology nurse. “We were happy to learn the skills and technology from our colleagues in New Haven, and to bring it here to New London.”

Before an MRI, patients with implanted devices must have a chest X-ray to make sure the wires going from the pacemaker to the heart are properly attached, explained Kelly Stempel, RN, another Cardiology nurse now trained in MRI safe mode. “Each patient is also evaluated in the doctor’s office by a nurse to ensure the device is functioning as intended. Only then can we proceed with the MRI.”

At the time of the MRI, staff use a wireless wand system and iPad to program the patient’s implanted device into safe mode.

Safety comes first. “Scans are 20 to 45 minutes long, and the patient’s heart rate is monitored through the procedure,” Stempel said. The MRI is stopped if there is an abnormal rhythm and the patient’s device is returned to normal function.

There is an added benefit to freeing up MRI appointments in New Haven.

“Being able to perform an MRI for these patients here at L+M is a huge patient satisfier,” said Melissa Orsinelli, director of Radiology. “I applaud our cardiac nurses who have learned this new skill, and I want to thank the MRI team and Darcy Bibeau, Safety and Quality coordinator in Diagnostic Imaging, for making this happen. Everyone worked together to enhance the services we offer our community.”