MRI information

The Lap-Band® System is MR Conditional.

For Healthcare Professionals: A patient with the Lap-Band® System may be safely scanned under the following conditions. Failure to follow these conditions may result in injury to the patient. 

For patients: The Lap-Band® System and can safely undergo an MR exam only under very specific conditions. Scanning under different conditions may result in injury or device malfunction. Consult with your Healthcare Provider prior to an MR exam and inform MRI site personnel that you have an MR Conditional medical device during MR screening prior to the MR Exam.

Parameter	Condition
Nominal Values of Static Magnetic Field (T)	1.5-T and 3.0-T
40-T/m (4,000-gauss/cm)	Maximum Spatial Field Gradient (T/m and gauss/cm)
Type of RF Excitation	Circularly Polarized (CP) (i.e., quadrature-driven)
Transmit RF Coil Information	There are no transmit RF coil restrictions. Accordingly, the following may be used: body transmit RF coil and all other RF coil combinations (i.e., body RF coil combined with any receive-only RF coil, transmit/receive head RF coil, transmit/receive knee RF coil, etc.)
Operating Mode of MR System	Normal Operating Mode
Maximum Whole Body Averaged SAR	2-W/kg (Normal Operating Mode)
Limits on Scan Duration	Whole body averaged SAR of 2-W/kg for 60 minutes of continuous RF exposure (i.e., per pulse sequence or back-to-back sequences/series without breaks)
MR Image Artifact	The presence of this implant produces an imaging artifact. Therefore, carefully select pulse sequence parameters if the implant is located in the area of interest.

Category	Meaning	Key Characteristics	Examples	Patient/Staff Implications
MR Safe	Poses no known hazards in all MRI environments	Non-magnetic – Non-conductive – Non-metallic – No RF (Radio Frequency) heating or torque issues	Plastic IV poles, certain catheters, wooden items, most clothing without metal	Can enter MRI room and be scanned freely with no restrictions
MR Conditional	Safe only under specific conditions in a defined MRI environment	– May contain some metal/conductive parts – Safe only at certain field strengths (e.g., 1.5T or 3T) – Specific SAR limits, scan duration, or positioning required	Many modern pacemakers, cochlear implants, stents, orthopedic implants, aneurysm clips (newer ones)	Can be scanned only if all labeled conditions are strictly followed. Requires verification of device model and conditions.
MR Unsafe (Not MRI Safe)	Poses unacceptable risks in all MRI environments	Ferromagnetic materials – Strong attraction to magnetic field – Risk of movement, heating, or device malfunction	Ferromagnetic aneurysm clips, older pacemakers, scissors, oxygen cylinders, wheelchairs with metal	Should not enter the MRI scanner room (Zone IV). Absolute contraindication for scanning.

Yes, patients with a Lap-Band can undergo MRI examinations because the device is classified as MR Conditional. MRI scans can be performed safely when manufacturer-specified conditions, including MRI field strength, SAR limits, scan duration, and patient positioning, are strictly followed.

Explanation:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a very strong static magnetic field inside the scanner room (also called the magnet room or gantry room). The strength of this magnetic field is measured in units called Tesla (commonly 1.5T or 3T).

A 3 Tesla (3T) MRI scanner generates a magnetic field approximately 60,000 times stronger than the Earth’s natural magnetic field. This extremely powerful magnetic field makes ferromagnetic metals and certain metallic objects MR Unsafe, because they can be violently pulled into the scanner (known as the projectile effect). This can cause serious damage to equipment and life-threatening injuries to anyone caught between the object and the magnet.

Understanding MRI Safety Classifications

What Does “MR Conditional” Mean?

Many medical devices and implants that contain metal or electrical components also have restricted access inside the MRI room. Even if the metal used in these devices is not strongly ferromagnetic, it can still pose risks. During an MRI scan, the scanner emits radiofrequency (RF) pulses to create images. These RF pulses can induce electrical currents in metallic components, causing them to heat up significantly.

This heating occurs because the RF energy is absorbed by both the human tissue and any conductive materials present. The human body normally dissipates this heat through blood flow and sweating. However, metallic implants can concentrate this energy, leading to excessive localized heating that may cause tissue damage or burns.

The amount of RF energy deposited is measured by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). Because of this heating risk, many devices and implants are labelled as MRI Conditional. This means a person with such an implant can undergo an MRI scan, but only under specific conditions (such as field strength, SAR limits, scan protocol, and positioning) that are clearly defined by the device manufacturer.

Lap-Band MRI Safety Conditions: Can You Have an MRI With a LAP-BAND? 

The Lap-Band is made of silicone, which is not ferromagnetic. However, it uses stainless steel tubing connectors in the connecting tubes, and the access port also has stainless steel components.

While these components are not ferromagnetic (so they will not be pulled strongly by the magnet), there is still a risk of heating due to the radiofrequency (RF) energy generated during an MRI scan.

Hence, MRI scans can be performed safely only under strict conditions, such as specific field strengths (e.g., 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla), specifically measured and controlled SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) limits, limited scan duration, and patient’s positioning during the scan. These conditions must be carefully verified by the MRI technician and radiologist before scanning.

Important MRI Safety Warnings 

Lap-Band implants are of MRI Conditional category. For a patient it means that they must mandatorily inform the MRI technician about presence of the implant. Missing to communicate this can lead to injury to the patient and may damage the implant as well.

MRI Image Interference (Artifact Information) 

Lap-Band falls under the MRI Conditional category, meaning a patient with a Lap-Band can be scanned only if all technically specified conditions are strictly followed. During the scan, the implant, its connecting tubing, and access port may create artifacts (distortions or shadows) in the MR images, which must be taken into consideration by the MRI technician during performing the scan and the reporting radiologist while interpreting the scan.

Is MRI Safe With a Lap-Band Implant? 

Yes. A person with a Lap-Band implant can undergo an MRI because the device is classified as MR Conditional. MRI scans are safe when all manufacturer-specified conditions are strictly followed. such as; only at certain field strengths (e.g., 1.5T or 3T), Specific SAR limits, scan duration, and patient’s positioning during scans. These conditions must be verified by the MRI technician and radiologist before accepting the case.

Patient Instructions Before MRI 

Patients with a Lap-Band implant must inform the MRI technician about the implant before the scan. If available, patients should carry the implant card or any related medical records for verification. The MRI team will review the implant details and ensure that all MRI Conditional safety requirements are met before proceeding with the scan. During the MRI, the patient may hear loud tapping or knocking sounds from the machine and will be required to remain still throughout the scan for accurate imaging.

Risks If MRI Guidelines Are Not Followed 

MRI for Lap-Band implant patients can only be done under strict conditions, such as; only at certain field strengths (e.g., 1.5T or 3T), Specific SAR limits, scan duration, and patient’s positioning during scans. If these conditions are not followed, there can be cases of injury to the patient and damage to the implant.

Summary:

• Lap-Band is classified as MR Conditional.

• MRI scans can be performed safely under specified conditions.

• Inform the MRI technician about your Lap-Band before the scan.

• Carry your implant card if available.

• MRI conditions such as field strength, SAR limits, scan duration, and patient positioning must be verified before scanning.