Artikel
Identification of cerebral aneurysm clips to determine MRI-compatibility using the “ClipFinder”
Identifikation zerebraler Aneurysmenclips zur Beurteilung der MR-Kompatibilität mit Hilfe des "ClipFinder"
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Autoren
Veröffentlicht: | 23. April 2004 |
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Gliederung
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Objective
Knowledge of the magnetic properties of cerebral aneurysm clips in patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is imperative. However in daily practice, it usually is impossible to derive this information from earlier medical records. The aim of this study was to develop a free accessible internet database to identify unknown cerebral aneurysm clips based on conventional X-ray images of the skull, and to provide reliable information about their magnetic properties to allow safe MRI-investigations in these patients.
Methods
The 17 most commonly used clip-series from the last 50 years were selected. The ferromagnetic properties of 47 example clips were examined by the FDA-approved “deflection angle test”. A HTML-based database was developed using standard X-ray images in two planes and photographs of the clips. Furthermore, details about alloy, ferromagnetic properties, MRI-compatibility, year of construction, and other characteristics identifiable on x-rays were included.
Results
Seven aneurysm clips (of 4 clip-models) were judged to be not MRI-compatible. The database named “ClipFinder” allows easy identification of cerebral aneurysm clips on standard skull x-rays by comparing the films with the databank images supported by information on unique features of the clip design. Preliminary testing of 18 clips on standard X-ray and DSA-images by an investigator, blinded to relevant clip-data and patient history, resulted an accuracy of 100% for MRI-compatibility and of 85% for exact identification of all implanted clips.
Conclusions
“ClipFinder” provides a fast, inexpensive, and easy to use database to identify unknown cerebral aneurysm clips via the internet, using standard x-ray images. Information on the clips’ ferromagnetic properties allows safe MRI studies.