Getting a Heart MRI with Anesthesia for Kids
What about sedation or anesthesia for a Heart MRI?
A Heart MRI sometimes requires the use of sedation or anesthesia so that the person being scanned remains still throughout the imaging process. This can be necessary in young children or those with other issues that keep them from lying still throughout the study. If you have concerns about the ability of the person being scanned to lie still for 45-60 minutes, please discuss this with the imaging center at the time of scheduling.
Heart MRI with sedation
Who will need sedation?
- With younger children (usually less than 6 years of age) who are unable to lie still or follow instructions regarding breathing, the anesthesia team may be involved to assist with sedation for Heart MRI.
- Patients do not need admission, if they require sedation and can be discharged home after this procedure with a period of observation following the scan.
- Sedation can be in the form of an intravenous medication without need for support with breathing (i.e., intubation) or general anesthesia. These options are presented to the patient and the plan is clarified prior to the day of the scan.
- Older teenagers and adults with significant anxiety surrounding scans should speak to their cardiologists prior to the scan to see if they would recommend and prescribe medications for anxiety relief.
Are there other options to sedation?
- Two alternative initiatives have been undertaken by many programs to reduce the use of deep sedation – it is important to ask about the availability of these programs prior to scan.
- The first is the “feed and swaddle” program that is used in young babies to perform short studies after feeding and bundling them. For short scans, the neonate / infant is fed and swaddled and the scan is performed.
- The second approach is the “MR-I Can Do It” program that is targeted to younger kids who are coached and supported by the child life team to better prepare them for the study prior to and on the day of the study. Children have opportunity to (i) look at pictures and movies of other children who have had their MRI, and (ii) listen to recordings of the sounds they will hear during the MRI. This program can often be adapted for neurodiverse children so that they can successfully have their MRI without sedation.
How long does the scan take?
Your Heart MRI may take 30 minutes or up to an hour. Someone will be looking at your heart images for that entire period and the anesthesiology provider will be making sure you are comfortable.
What do you need to do before your MRI with anesthesia?
Do not eat or drink anything for a few hours before your arrival for the Heart MRI. You will get instructions from a nurse a few days prior or the day before your scan to confirm instructions
