True or False: A cardiac pacemaker is always a contraindication for an MRI.

The statement is false because not all cardiac pacemakers are contraindications for MRI. Advances in technology have resulted in the development of MRI-conditional pacemakers that are specifically designed to be safe for use in MRI environments. These devices undergo rigorous testing to ensure that patients can undergo MRI scans without experiencing adverse interactions or complications.

However, it’s essential for healthcare providers to evaluate the specific type of pacemaker a patient has, as well as the clinical indications for the MRI, to make an informed decision. Older models, in particular, are often not compatible with MRI due to their materials and design, which may respond negatively to the magnetic fields generated during an MRI. Therefore, while caution is necessary, the growing availability of MRI-compatible technologies means that many patients with cardiac pacemakers can safely undergo MRI imaging.