What is the resonant length of an implant that could cause a burn at 1.5T?

The resonant length of an implant that could cause a burn at 1.5T is approximately 25 cm. This length corresponds to the wavelength of the radiofrequency (RF) energy emitted during an MRI scan at that magnetic field strength.

In magnetic resonance imaging, certain lengths of conductive materials can resonate with the RF fields used during the scan. When an implant is resonant, it can absorb energy from the RF fields, which can lead to heating and potentially cause burns to the surrounding tissue.

For a 1.5T MRI scanner, the wavelengths of the RF energy are around 30-40 cm. The length of approximately 25 cm is significant because it is close enough to these wavelengths that the implant could effectively resonate with the RF fields, leading to thermal effects and increased risk of burns. Understanding these resonant lengths helps ensure safety during MRI procedures, guiding decisions about which implants are safe to scan and under what conditions.