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My Mother Had A TAVR Valve Replacement February 2020. It
Question: My mother had a TAVR valve replacement February 2020. It was a clinical trial for a TAVR device. She had to be hospitalized recently presenting with double vision in her left eye, and a migraine like pain in that area. They diagnosed her with mini-stroke. They held her for three days in order to get an mri, but the hospital refused to do it. They wanted to know what type of metal the TAVR device was made of. So they discharged her. She is scheduled to get one done at a different hospital, are there any possible risks? I know metal is potentially lethal to a patient having an MRI. My question is, did the hospital have a legitimate concern after seeing what type of metal was involved? I just am concerned for her safety in getting this MRI done, not to point fingers.
Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for the query. I can understand your concern. According to your statement, your mom has a recent history of mini-stroke. She is needed to undergo an MRI despite having of TAVR device in her heart. Your query is whether it will be safe for her to undergo an MRI in this situation or not.
Not only X-rays but also MRIs are generally safe in patients with TAVR devices. But, it is important to tell her doctor that she has undergone a TAVR procedure.
TAVR is made of a valve frame and bovine or cow animal tissue leaflets. This valve frame may be metallic in nature and made of nickel as well as titanium which is generally safe during an MRI procedure. At present, TAVRs are made from polymers and completely free of metals that have no contraindication for undergoing an MRI too.
So, the hospital authority has granted permission for undergoing an MRI, after assessing your mother's present conditions and her using of TAVR. So, you should show your respect on their decision and ensure to undergo the MRI.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam,
General And Family Physician,
Please see the detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for the query. I can understand your concern. According to your statement, your mom has a recent history of mini-stroke. She is needed to undergo an MRI despite having of TAVR device in her heart. Your query is whether it will be safe for her to undergo an MRI in this situation or not.
Not only X-rays but also MRIs are generally safe in patients with TAVR devices. But, it is important to tell her doctor that she has undergone a TAVR procedure.
TAVR is made of a valve frame and bovine or cow animal tissue leaflets. This valve frame may be metallic in nature and made of nickel as well as titanium which is generally safe during an MRI procedure. At present, TAVRs are made from polymers and completely free of metals that have no contraindication for undergoing an MRI too.
So, the hospital authority has granted permission for undergoing an MRI, after assessing your mother's present conditions and her using of TAVR. So, you should show your respect on their decision and ensure to undergo the MRI.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam,
General And Family Physician,
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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