YOUR IMPLANT INFORMATION
Can I have an MRI with my pacemaker?
Many people with a pacemaker can have an MRI, including some whose system is not labelled MR Conditional. Your MRI and cardiac device teams must assess your particular system and arrange the appropriate safety checks. A card, digital passport or model search cannot give individual MRI clearance.
What does “MR Conditional” mean?
“MR Conditional” means scanning is permitted under specified conditions. The label must apply to the whole system, including its leads. Systems outside that labelling require individual assessment and suitable scanning arrangements.
What should I send before the appointment?
Tell the booking team about your pacemaker when the scan is arranged. The NHS MRI safety questionnaire asks about implants and previous surgery. Ask the team how to send your information securely.
- A readable copy of both sides of your current device card.
- Any separate cards for leads or other implants.
- Your current device clinic’s name and contact details.
- A note of anything you are unsure about, such as an old card or missing entry.
If you do not have the card, tell the MRI team now and ask your device clinic for the details. You do not have to interpret the model numbers yourself.
What checks does the team arrange?
The teams assess the device, leads and clinical circumstances. They arrange monitoring and device checks around the scan; imaging may also be needed. Your record supports that assessment without replacing it.
If your scan is delayed or declined
Ask whether the issue is missing information, a clinical concern or service availability. Discuss specialist assessment or alternative imaging with the referring clinician.
Useful questions include: “Have you received my device details?”, “Which team is coordinating the checks?” and “Who should I contact about the next step?” Keep the answer and contact number with your appointment information.
For urgent investigations, including suspected cancer or stroke, the treating team decides the safest timely route. Do not wait to create a passport or recover a card before seeking emergency care.
How a digital record can help you prepare
Instead of searching for small print at each appointment, keep the information you have checked in a readable record. ImplantPassport lets you open or print it for the team. It does not book scans, provide an MRI safety certificate or guarantee shorter waiting times.
Questions you may have
My pacemaker is older. Does that automatically rule out MRI?
No. Ask the referring clinician and device clinic about an individual assessment. The answer depends on the implanted system, your circumstances and the scanning arrangements.
Can I just show the passport when I arrive?
Contact the MRI team beforehand and follow their instructions. Bring your original card as well as any backup record; checks may need arranging before the day.
YOUR NEXT STEP WITH IMPLANTPASSPORT
Have your implant details ready for the MRI team
Bring the information together now, so you can provide a readable record when the team asks for it.
Create my ID cardYour own digital record, with optional family and emergency sharing.
What is included