Speaker

Dr Ellyce Stehlin

Topic

Until recently, the presence of an active implantable medical device (AIMD), such as a pacemaker, deep brain stimulator or cochlear implant was considered a contraindication to MRI due to patient safety concerns. Today, the diagnostic value of MRI means denying patients with AIMDs access to MRI is the greater clinical risk. Understanding patient-implant-scanner interactions has therefore become a critical aspect of AIMD development. This talk presents the general approach used to assess and demonstrate MRI safety for AIMDs, using a cochlear implant as a case study. The presentation will provide an overview of the current state of MRI safety assessment and discuss ongoing challenges. As both MRI and AIMD technology continues to evolve, MRI safety remains an area of research to ensure patients have access to both therapeutic and diagnostic tools.

About Speaker

Ellyce is an R&D engineer working for Med-El GmbH, an Austrian medical device manufacturer focused on hearing implants. Gisborne born and raised, after attending GGHS Ellyce studied Biomedical Engineering at the University of Auckland and went on to complete a PhD at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute.