Brief Answer:
Following Bjork Shiley Mitral valves are essentially safe for MRI scan

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX XXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. Artificial valves like the one implanted in you are continuously being updated and improved upon. MRI safety regulations are also in place to guide investigations keeping patient safety in mind.

2. Concerning Bjork Shiley Mitral valve, there are four models of the valve have been been mentioned in the MRI safety manual on the risk associated with such valves. The details of valves is mentioned below with their safety recommendations.

(i) Bjork Shiley Monostrut Mitral Model MBRMS chromium cobalt alloy heart valve Pfizer, Inc. XXXXXXX OH:

This valve is safe for a MRI scan in a 1.5T machine

(ii) Bjork Shiley Monostrut Mitral Model MBUM chromium cobalt alloy heart valve
Pfizer, Inc. XXXXXXX OH:

This valve has got a conditional clearance and is otherwise safe for MRI. The condition specified is "The object is acceptable for the patient or individual in the MR environment, despite the fact that it showed positive findings for magnetic field interactions during testing. Notably, the object is considered to be “weakly” ferromagnetic, only."

(iii) Bjork Shiley Pyrolitic Carbon Conical Disc Mitral Model MBUP chromium cobalt alloy heart valve Pfizer, Inc. XXXXXXX OH

This valve is safe for a MRI scan in a 1.5T machine

(iv) Bjork Shiley Pyrolitic Carbon Conical Disc Mitral Model MBRP chromium cobalt alloy heart valve Pfizer, Inc. XXXXXXX OH

This valve has got a conditional clearance and is otherwise safe for MRI. The condition specified is "The object is acceptable for the patient or individual in the MR environment, despite the fact that it showed positive findings for magnetic field interactions during testing. Notably, the object is considered to be “weakly” ferromagnetic, only."

3. It is suggested that you mail the hospital where the surgery was done providing your name and dater of surgery details. Please request information on the exact model of valve that was used and match it with the above information.

4. All the models mentioned above are essentially safe for a patient having any one of these and getting a MRI scan done.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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Brief Answer:
It will not cause any problem since the valve is in place for 30 years

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. For weakly ferromagnetic implants, there is no interaction between the magnetic field and the implanted valve in your case as the implant surgery was done 30 years back.

2. Weakly ferromagnetic implants are completely safe as long MRI scan is done at least 6 weeks after implant surgery. This is the time for the implant to get stabilized and get fixed so that it is not disturbed by the magnetic field.

3. In conclusion, nothing adverse is going to happen when a patient like you who has a valve implanted 30 years back is evaluated by a MRI scan.

4. The above has been confirmed by thorough research on the topic at an international research level.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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