Improving MRI safety for patients with deep brain stimulators

Safe Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Patients with Deep Brain Stimulation Systems

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-10893365

This study is working to make MRI scans safer for people with deep brain stimulation devices, so they can get the imaging they need without worrying about their implants, helping doctors better understand their health and treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10893365 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the safety of MRI scans for patients who have deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems implanted. Currently, many patients are denied MRI scans due to concerns about their medical devices. The project will develop a new workflow that uses advanced imaging techniques to safely monitor these patients, allowing for better assessment of their conditions and treatment effectiveness. The approach includes calculating RF currents and designing implant-friendly pulses to minimize heating around the DBS electrodes, followed by testing on phantoms, animals, and eventually human subjects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with deep brain stimulation systems who require MRI imaging for their medical conditions.

Not a fit: Patients without implanted medical devices or those who do not require MRI scans may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable safer MRI scans for patients with DBS systems, improving disease monitoring and treatment evaluation.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been efforts to improve MRI safety for patients with implants, this specific approach is innovative and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.