Magnetic Resonance Procedures: Health Effects and Safety PDF

Preface

Magnetic resonance (MR) procedures continue to expand with regard to usage and complexity. Understandably, health effects and safety issues are important aspects of this diagnostic modality.

The last book on these topics was published in 1996. Since then, technological advances have yielded MR systems with higher static magnetic fields (up to 8.0 Tesla!), faster and higher gradient magnetic fields, and more powerful radiofrequency (RF) transmission coils. Therefore, it is necessary to reconsider, update, and revise many of the health effects and safety issues according to the changes that have occurred in MR technology.

The purpose of writing this book was to create the definitive resource of theoretical and practical information on MR health effects, safety, and patient management. While previous books on this topic were written by one or two authors, the sophisticated nature of MR now requires additional input from a wide range of experts in the field. Therefore, an international group of highly respected health effects and safety specialists representing radiologists, scientists, physicists, MR technologists, and clinicians contributed to this book. To my knowledge, this is the first authoritative textbook with multiple contributing authors devoted to the important topics of MR health effects and safety.

Because of demands by government agencies, private, and professional organizations for MR facilities to ensure patient safety, I believe that all MR healthcare workers (i.e., radiologists, physicists, MR technologists, facility managers, hospital administrators, and vendors) will find the content of this book to be particularly timely and essential.

As always, I welcome suggestions and comments that may serve to improve this book and will strive to incorporate them into the next edition. Finally, if you have a specific question or concern, please do not hesitate to visit my web site, www.MRIsafety.com, or contact me by e-mail.