The grisly scene involving magnetism and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine in "Final Destination: Bloodlines" - could it be realistic?

The grisly scene involving magnetism and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine in "Final Destination: Bloodlines" - could it be realistic?

Smash-Bang MRI Scene: Fact or Fiction?

Let's chat about the crazy hospital incident in the latest movie Final Destination: Bloodlines. The scene where two brothers face a grisly accident in an MRI suite because of the machine's intense magnetic field is scary, to say the least! But is this disaster possible in real life? We've had a chat with an MRI safety guru at ECRI and got some chilling insights to set your mind at ease.

So, let's calm your nerves. Could that MR scene from the movie actually happen in real life?

The answer, thankfully, is nope! The conditions shown in the movie are far too unrealistic. When there's an accident related to healthcare, it usually happens due to a chain of safety system failures, not just one single mistake. In this movie sequence, there were a ton of disregarded safety protocols and principles – let's call it a Hollywood fabrication on steroids.

Alright, now let's talk about the "magnetized" objects and whether that's a real risk.

Technically, yes, but it's rare. Ferromagnetic objects can become magnetized in strong magnetic fields and could potentially be attracted to magnets like MRI scanners. Even seemingly harmless stuff in the wrong place could zoom towards the magnet and become projectiles. Some reports have even mentioned wheelchairs pinning patients or nurses. But don't be alarmed, because hospitals have precautions in place, such as metal detectors for entering the MR room and only using MR-conditional devices.

But how does this string of protection work?

MR machines have a fixed magnetic field strength. They don't suddenly amp up the power like in the movie. To avoid objects becoming projectiles, the American College of Radiology recommends using a ferromagnetic detection system (FMDS) before moving the patient from the preparation room. This system screens patients to prevent objects from entering the MR room and becoming projectiles. There are also procedures in place to control access to the MR suite to help prevent accidents with magnetic objects accidentally being brought in. Most manufacturers even provide tools for medical imaging professionals to adjust the imaging system parameters to ensure safe conditions.

Now, what's the most common problem while using MRI machines?

Although it doesn't happen often, patients have been burned when safety protocols are disregarded. This happens when certain devices within the patient become hot. In some instances, it's caused by poor padding around the patient or issues with electrically conductive materials, like medical device cables. And sometimes it’s due to implanted devices boiling up when exposed to the magnet. To avoid MR burns, hospitals should follow guidelines like making sure devices aren't looped, placing sensors far from radio-frequency coils, using manufacturer-supplied padding, and performing regular checks of all sensors, cables, and MR accessories.

So, what can patients do to stay safe while getting an MRI?

The imaging technician will help remove any piercings and asked to undress and wear a hospital gown provided. The patient should also avoid wearing metal-infused clothes, remove fake eyelashes with magnetic strips, and avoid bringing personal devices or bodily modifications that contain metal. It's best to schedule an MRI study when possible around continuous glucose monitor changes, as they might need to be removed before the imaging. The technician will also do a final check of the patient with a ferromagnetic detector before they step into the MR control room.

And what if a patient has any medical device implants?

It's essential to inform the imaging technician about any implants. The patient's medical record should contain information about the implant. Some implants can heat or move when exposed to an MRI scanner's magnetic field. Implants, like aneurysm clips, can even migrate if the machine's parameters are exceeded during the imaging procedure. The technician should adjust the MRI scanner using parameters prescribed by the device or implant manufacturer to ensure a safe imaging procedure. Keep in mind that some implants may not show up in medical records, which can cause delays or add to the risk of MR scans.

What about patients with anxiety or claustrophobia?

It's crucial that patients undergo necessary medical tests like MRIs, even if they're nervous about the process. Some doctors may prescribe medication to alleviate anxiety. The imaging facility will provide earplugs or headphones, and some MR machine manufacturers have created visual and auditory environments to help patients overcome fears. Additionally, new developments like wider MR machines and shorter scanning times may make the process less intimidating.

Our Expert, Francisco, has some well-earned credentials.

Francisco is an MR Safety Officer (MRSO) and Magnetic Resonance Safety Certified (MRSCTM) from the American Board of Magnetic Resonance Safety. He's studied MR imaging with a focus on image-guided neurosurgeries in auditory research and managed MR scanners at other institutions. Recently, he was featured in ICE magazine, discussing the importance of thinking beyond implantable devices for MR safety, as everyday items like cosmetics, augmented clothing fabrics, and body art can pose risks during scans. He operates at ECRI's independent device evaluation lab.

To summarize, millions of MR studies are performed safely each year when the required guidelines and procedures are followed. While horror movies can create some unrealistic scenarios for the MRI experience, it's important to stick to the facts, keep safety in mind, and enter the MRI suite with confidence!

1. In real life, an MRI accident like the one depicted in the movie Final Destination: Bloodlines is highly unlikely due to multiple safety system failures being required for such an incident.
2. Although ferromagnetic objects can become magnetized in strong magnetic fields, hospitals have precautions in place, such as metal detectors for entering the MR room, and the use of MR-conditional devices.
3. To prevent objects from becoming projectiles in an MRI room, a ferromagnetic detection system (FMDS) is used before moving the patient from the preparation room, and there are also procedures in place to control access to the MR suite.
4. In rare cases, patients have been burned during MRI procedures due to disregarded safety protocols, such as poor padding around the patient or issues with electrically conductive materials.
5. To stay safe during an MRI, patients are advised to follow the instructions given by the imaging technician, such as removing metal-infused clothes and any piercings, and avoiding bringing personal devices or bodily modifications containing metal.
6. Patients with implants should inform the imaging technician and ensure that the MRI scanner parameters are adjusted according to the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure a safe imaging procedure.
7. Patients with anxiety or claustrophobia can be assisted with medication, earplugs or headphones, and visual and auditory environments to help them overcome their fears during the MRI procedure.
8. Francisco, an MR Safety Officer and Magnetic Resonance Safety Certified professional, operates at ECRI's independent device evaluation lab, and emphasizes the importance of thinking beyond implantable devices for MR safety, as everyday items like cosmetics, augmented clothing fabrics, and body art can pose risks during scans.
9. Millions of MR studies are performed safely each year when the required guidelines and procedures are followed, and it's important to stick to the facts, keep safety in mind, and enter the MRI suite with confidence!

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