Deep Brain Stimulators: Knowing the Parameters & Implementing Them at Your Institution

As the number of patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices continues to increase, MRI professionals must understand the conditions required for safe imaging. In this presentation, Douglas Boyd, BSRT(R)(MR), ARRT, MRSO(MRSC™), will review the interactions between DBS systems and MRI magnetic fields, including risks associated with radiofrequency energy, gradients, and static magnetic fields. Attendees will learn how key safety parameters, such as SAR and B1+rms, influence scan planning and execution, while gaining practical strategies for determining patient eligibility and developing institutional protocols. Participants will leave with the knowledge and tools needed to confidently and safely perform MRI examinations on patients with DBS implants.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the main risks  — of performing MRI on patients with a deep brain stimulation (DBS) device.
2. Explain the three fields  — static, gradient, and RF and which risk each one drives.
3. Define the dosimetric indices  — SAR and B1+rms and understand the limits of each
4. Apply parameter control  — recognize the tools and techniques that keep a scan within conditions
5. Build a working SOP  — translate the guidelines into a safe, repeatable institutional workflow.

Course summary

Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AHRA CRA Credit
  • 1.00 ARRT Category A CE Credit
Course opens: 
10/01/2026
Course expires: 
09/30/2027
CE Club cost:
$0.00
CE Club cost:
$0.00
Cost:
$0.00
Rating: 
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Doug Boyd, R.T. (R)(MR), ARMRIT

Radiologic Technologists
This course has been approved for one (1.0) ARRT Category A CE credit(s) by AHRA.

Radiology Administrators
This course meets all CRA renewal credit criteria and has been approved for one (1.0) continuing education credit in the following CRA domain(s): Operations Management (OM). 
 

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AHRA CRA Credit
  • 1.00 ARRT Category A CE Credit

Price

CE Club cost:
$0.00
CE Club cost:
$0.00
Cost:
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