5.1 This test method describes a test procedure for evaluating the ∆T associated with RF power deposition during an MR procedure, involving a specific frequency of RF irradiation of a passive implant. The method allows characterization of the heating propensity of an implant rather than the prediction of heating during a specific MR procedure in a patient. The results may be used as an input to a computational model for estimating ∆T due to the presence of that implant in a patient. The combination of the test results and the computational model results may then be used to help assess the safety of a patient with the implant during an MR examination.

1.1 This test method covers measurement of radio frequency (RF)-induced heating on or near a passive medical implant within a phantom during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The test method does not specify levels of heating considered to be safe to the patient and relies on users to define their own acceptance criteria.

1.2 This test method does not address other possible safety issues which include, but are not limited to: issues of magnetically-induced displacement, magnetically-induced torque, image artifact, acoustic noise, tissue heating, interaction among devices, and the functionality of the device and the MR system.

1.3 The amount of RF-induced temperature rise (∆T) for a given incident electric field will depend on the RF frequency, which is dependent on the static magnetic field strength of the MR system. While the focus in this test method is on 1.5 tesla (T) or 3 T MR systems, the ∆T for an implant in MR systems of other static magnetic field strengths or magnet designs can be evaluated by suitable modification of the method described herein.

1.4 This test method assumes that testing is done on devices that will be entirely inside the body. Testing for devices with other implantation conditions (e.g., external fixation devices, percutaneous needles, catheters or tethered devices such as ablation probes) is beyond the scope of this standard; for such devices, modifications of this test method may be necessary.

Note 1: RF-heating induced by any electrically conductive implanted device may be impacted by the presence of other metallic or otherwise electrically conductive devices present nearby.

1.5 This test method is written for several possible RF exposure systems, including Volume RF transmit coils. The exposure system needs to be properly characterized, within the stated uncertainties, in term of local background RF exposure for the implants which are tested.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.7 A device with deployed dimensions of less than 2 cm in all directions may not need to be tested with respect to RF-induced heating, as it is expected to generate ∆T of less than 2°C over 1 h of exposure at 1.5 T/64-MHz or 3 T/128-MHz frequencies (1, 2)2 and ANSI/AAMI/ISO 14708-3:2017). This condition is not valid when multiple replicas of the device (e.g., multiple anchors) are implanted within 3 cm of the device.

Note 2: The above values were derived from existing data and literature. The 3 cm distance is recommended to avoid any RF coupling with other neighboring devices.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.