Shellock FG. Reference Manual for Magnetic Response Safety, Implants and Devices: 2016 Edition. Biomedical Research Publishing Group; 2016; 712 pp; $99
No radiologist or MR center should be without quick and easy accessibility to Frank Shellock’s new edition (2016) of the Reference Manual for Magnetic Resonance Safety, Implants and Devices. Expanded from prior editions, this 712-page book covers every aspect of safety issues in MR imaging, including implanted devices, foreign bodies, MR contrast, issues related to pregnancy, environmental issues, and many other key issues.
Nicely, this book starts out discussing the bioeffects of magnetic fields, gradients, and RF pulses. It moves into patient information, screening, temperature effects, contrast reactions, MR access information, gadolinium retention, and more. From there, the book takes us to every conceivable device used, with very specific information relating to manufacturers and to effects of the device at various field strengths. We read of the status of devices, whether safe, conditional, or unsafe. To back all of this up and to make the information easily accessible, the book features 280 pages of details concerning individual devices (by manufacturer), their states under given field strengths, and as appropriate, the references to back this information up. There is also a 5-page listing of websites for each of the companies whose devices are mentioned in the book. Using these addresses, one can quickly see what the manufacturers themselves say about their devices.
Dr. Shellock must be congratulated (again) for updating his valuable book, which is chock-full of vital information. We are all mandated to become engaged by hospital, state or practice regulations in various “learning” modules, which are often of dubious value. This book, on the other hand, is one that should be the basis for departmental/practice requirements for a radiologist or technologist who is to become involved with MR imaging.
The book’s purchase is highly recommended; better yet, it is a must.
