Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust (DGT) recently reached a significant milestone by successfully performing its first-ever MRI scan on a patient with a pacemaker. This breakthrough, achieved through collaboration between the radiology team and cardiac physiologists, marks a major advancement in patient care at the Trust.
Historically, patients with pacemakers were unable to undergo MRI scans due to device incompatibility. However, with advancements in technology and careful planning by the MRI staff and cardiac physiologists, outpatients with pacemakers implanted since 2018 can now safely receive MRI scans at Darent Valley Hospital.
This achievement has been made possible through improvements in both MRI scanner capabilities and pacemaker technology. Leading this initiative, David Medcraft (MRI Superintendent) and Lorraine Clarke (Chief Cardiac Physiologist) have worked tirelessly to develop a structured pathway that allows safe and effective scanning of these patients.
What this means for patients:
- Enhanced diagnostics – Doctors and referrers at the Trust now have another powerful diagnostic tool, allowing for more accurate assessments.
- Local access to MRI scans – Patients no longer need to travel to London or other hospitals for MRI scans.
- Faster results – With in-house MRI scanning, patients experience reduced wait times for crucial diagnostic information.
This innovation underscores DGT’s commitment to improving patient care and expanding medical services within the local community.