HRS call-to-action: Improved MRI access for patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices.
Guideline
Overview
abstract
Access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains limited for many patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), despite evidence demonstrating safety under appropriate conditions. This call-to-action statement from the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) aims to describe persistent barriers to MRI access for patients with a CIED and to provide practical, actionable recommendations for the improvement of clinical care. Developed by a multidisciplinary writing committee, this document addresses regulatory, operational, and institutional challenges; highlights findings from a recent HRS member survey on MRI access; and outlines the impact of evolving vendor-specific MRI exclusions. Specific populations discussed include patients with multiple MRI-conditional devices, mixed-vendor systems, abandoned leads, and epicardial leads or subcutaneous arrays. The statement also calls attention to the clinical and administrative burden on electrophysiology teams and the need for fair recognition and reimbursement of MRI-related care. Collaboration across specialties, industry, and regulatory bodies is essential to eliminate non-data-driven barriers and to ensure equitable access to clinically indicated MRI for all patients with a CIED.
