Name of the Procedure:

Addition to halo procedure, magnetic resonance image compatible systems, rings and pins, any material (L0859) Also known as MRI-compatible halo brace augmentation.

Summary

This procedure involves the addition of MRI-compatible components, such as rings and pins, to an existing halo brace. This modification allows patients wearing halo braces for spinal immobilization to safely undergo MRI scans.

Purpose

The primary purpose is to enable patients with halo braces to safely participate in MRI exams without compromising the stability of the spinal immobilization. The expected outcome is accurate imaging without the risk of interfering with the magnetic imaging process.

Indications

• Patients who require stabilized spinal immobilization due to fractures or cervical spine surgery.
• Situations where MRI imaging is necessary for diagnosis or monitoring and the patient cannot remove the halo brace.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for several hours before the procedure if sedation or anesthesia is required.
• Pre-procedure imaging or assessments of the halo brace's current position and stability.
• Review of existing medications with adjustments if necessary.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Assessment: Evaluate the current halo brace and its fit.
2. Equipment Preparation: Gather MRI-compatible rings and pins.
3. Modification: Carefully remove existing non-MRI-compatible components and replace them with MRI-compatible ones, ensuring the same stability and positioning.
4. Verification: Ensure all additions are properly secured and verify that immobilization is maintained.
5. Final Checks: Perform any necessary imaging to confirm correct positioning of the new components.

Tools/Equipment Used:

• MRI-compatible rings and pins.
• Sterile tools for adjustments.
• Imaging equipment for verification.

Anesthesia/Sedation:

• Local anesthesia may be administered to minimize discomfort.
• Sedation in some cases, depending on the patient’s condition.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours.

Setting

Usually performed in a hospital setting, possibly in an orthopedic or neurosurgical suite.

Personnel

• Orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon.
• Radiologist (to confirm compatibility and positioning).
• Nurses and supporting clinical staff.
• Anesthesiologist, if sedation is required.

Risks and Complications

• Infection at sites of ring and pin insertion.
• Potential for misalignment during component replacement.
• Discomfort or pain around adjusted areas.
• Rare instances of hardware failure.

Benefits

• Enables necessary MRI diagnostics without compromising spinal immobilization.
• Ensures patient safety and accuracy of imaging.
• Possible detection and treatment of conditions requiring MRI more promptly.

Recovery

• Patients are usually monitored for a short period post-procedure for immediate complications.
• Maintenance of normal care for the halo brace and follow-up as per initial treatment plan.
• Follow-up imaging may be required to confirm continued stability.

Alternatives

• Delaying MRI until the halo brace is no longer needed, although this may not be ideal for urgent diagnostic needs.
• Using alternative imaging methods like CT scans, though they may not provide the same level of detail as MRI.
• Pros and Cons: Alternative imaging methods may not interfere with the halo brace but could result in less detailed images.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, patients will need to stay still; discomfort should be minimal with appropriate anesthesia.
• Post-procedure may involve some pain at sites of new pins until fully healed, managed with pain relief measures.
• Patients should experience similar comfort or improved wearing conditions due to better fit from the new components.

This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of the Addition to halo procedure, magnetic resonance image compatible systems, rings and pins, any material.