Hi Everyone; seeing the subject of angio's vs MRI/MRA brought an important subject to mind that many may not think of.
Anyone who has suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm or has learned that they have un-ruptured aneurysms knows the importance of follow up visits and regular visual observations of the aneurysm to make sure things stay under control.
The choices become Angio or MRI/MRA, and we all know the Angio is much more invasive and can lead to other complications. An MRI/MRA if it is appropriate is a much better option.
This leads me to my story. I suffered my ruptured aneurysm in May of 2010. Three years later I developed Heart Block (which the doctors do not believe is related) and had to have a Pacemaker implanted. Fortunately over the past 4 years I acquired enough knowledge to know the importance of being able to have MRI/MRA performed.
When my heart rate had dropped to 30 in the hospital I was told by my cardiologist I needed a pacemaker. I immediately told him of the importance of being able to have MRI/MRA's of my brain. Knowing my history, and after consulting with my neurologist who are both at Stony Brook University Hospital It was decided to implant a pacemaker and leads manufactured by Medtronics which are certified and MRI/MRA compatable.
Stony Brook Hospital Hospital brought in a new MRI machine and developed the procedure & protocol to be able to perform the MRI/MRA on brain with my pacemaker in place. The procedure was done about a month ago and all of my doctors at Stony Brook are thrilled that they can now do MRI's on people with pacemakers. Also the quality of the pictures from this new machine are incredible.