Effect of 3Â T MRI on the function of shunt valves-Evaluation of Paedi GAV, Dual Switch and proGAV

The MR-compatibility of medical implants and devices becomes more and more important with the increasing number of high-field MR-scanners employed. Until the end of 2004, about twenty 3 T MR in Germany will be in clinical practice. Patients with hydrocephalus need frequent follow-up MR-examinations to assure correct functioning of a shunt. We tested three types of gravitational valves: the Paedi GAV, the Dual Switch and as a new programmable valve the proGAV (Miethke Company, Berlin), that have not been evaluated at 3 T, yet. In sum, there is strong evidence for maintenance of function of these valves after exposure to 3 T. This also implies the programmable valve, as long as the brake mechanism is properly adjusted during MR-examination.