Chandler Howard Park MS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

James Matthew Massey, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ibrahim F Koury, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Peter A. Rothschild MD, Abstract Co-Author: Founder and President, IES Patient Comfort Systems, Inc

Currently available MRI manufacturers’ table pads create areas of peak pressure that shunt blood flow from the area, resulting in ischemic pain and discomfort. The resulting patient motion can obscure pathology and may require all or part of the study to be repeated. This study is to determine if the use of Patient Comfort System (PCS) pads developed using Tempur-Pedic® pressure-reducing viscoelastic materials, results in a decreased number of MRI sequences or entire scans that need to be repeated due to patient motion.

200 lumbar MRI studies were reviewed from a facility specializing in claustrophobic and large patients. 100 of the MRIs were performed using the standard manufacturer’s pads and 100 of the MRI exams were performed using the PCS pads. Each group was analyzed for the number of MRI scans that needed to be repeated (in whole or in part) due to patient motion.

Of the patients scanned using the manufacturer's pads, 18% required at least one sequence to be repeated and 8% required the entire procedure to be repeated due to motion. In contrast, a significantly smaller number of patients, 8% (Chi Square, p<0.05), scanned with PCS pads required at least one sequence to be repeated due to motion, and only 4% required the entire scan to be repeated.

The use of pressure relieving viscoelastic pads on MRI tables can decrease patient motion, resulting in a 56% reduction in the number of patients needing repeat sequences and a 50% reduction in patients needing to repeat the entire study.

Patient comfort during MRI procedures has the potential to decrease the cost incurred by patients and the health care system in general.

Park, C, Massey, J, Koury, I, Rothschild, P, Use of Pressure Relieving Viscoelastic MRI Pads to Reduce Patient Motion and Callbacks.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4441601.html