ECG (EKG) Electrodes

To ensure patient safety and proper recording of the electrocardiogram during an MRI procedure, it is advisable to only use electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG) electrodes tested specifically with regard to the factors that impact MRI safety issues and are recommended by the monitor’s manufacturer. Tests should include an evaluation of magnetic field interactions, MRI-related heating, and characterization of artifacts.

Various ECG electrodes have been specially developed for use during MRI examinations to protect the patient from potentially hazardous conditions and to minimize MRI-related artifacts. The List provides a compilation of ECG electrodes that have been evaluated for MRI issues using MR systems operating with static magnetic fields of 1.5-Tesla and 3-Tesla. Importantly, these electrodes should be used according to the guidelines provided by the manufacturers of the ECG monitoring devices.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To ensure patient safety and proper recording of the electrocardiogram during an MRI procedure, use only electrocardiograph (EKG/ECG) electrodes tested specifically with regard to the MRI environment and recommended by the manufacturer of the MR Conditional monitoring equipment.

ECG electrodes should only be used according to the specific guidelines provided by the manufacturers of the MR Conditional, monitoring devices.

To prevent injuries (e.g., burn), for a patient undergoing an MRI procedure, ECG electrodes must be removed if they are not connected to acceptable MR Conditional monitoring equipment.

REFERENCES

Shellock FG. MRI and ECG electrodes. Signals, No. 29, Issue 1, pp. 10-14, 1999.

Shellock FG. Magnetic Resonance Procedures: Health Effects and Safety. CRC Press, LLC, Boca Raton, FL, 2001.

Shellock FG, Crues JV, Editors. MRI Bioeffects, Safety, and Patient Management. Biomedical Research Publishing Group, Los Angeles, CA, 2014.