Regarding Covidien staple and suture compatibility with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) procedures with static fields of 3.0 Tesla or less;

Titanium, as found in the Directional Stapling Technology (DST Series™) staples, ILA™ staples, and the majority of Covidien metallic staples or the ChemoSite™ ports from Covidien, is acceptable for use with MRI and NMR procedures as it is nonferromagnetic.

Covidien 316L stainless steel staples, used in the Royal™, Appose™, Concorde™, Signet™, and MultiFire Premium™ skin staplers, are compatible with MRI and NMR procedures with static magnetic fields of 3.0 Tesla or less. The stainless steel staples have a very low mass and their composition is considered non-magnetic. They will not vibrate or heat up, although there may be slight image distortion. Other Covidien non-magnetic stainless steel staples compatible with MRI/NMR procedures can be found in the GIA™ 50 & 90 Premium and PI™ Single Use Loading Units. This also applies to Covidien Stainless Steel Sutures.

Literature supports that passive implants such as the Covidien staples and sutures are acceptable to undergo magnetic resonance procedures immediately after implantation at forces of 3.0 Tesla or less.

Please note that this does not apply to the following;

• 1) Stainless steel staples/sutures or other stainless steel items that may have a greater mass than current Covidien stainless steel staples/sutures.
• 2) Exposure to static fields greater than 3.0 Tesla.
• 3) Use of magnetic materials such as suture needles
• 4) Items not manufactured or distributed by Covidien; and /or
• 5)Flexon™ Cardiac Pacing Leads

Do not perform magnetic resonance procedures if tissue integrity and implant’s ability to remain properly attached are of concern, or if proper identification of the implant location cannot be obtained.

If you have further questions, please call me at 203-492-6098.

Email: mike.ball@Covidien.com