Which object will promote the highest chance of heating at 3T?

The 13 cm long stent is likely to promote the highest chance of heating at 3T due to its size and material composition. When exposed to a strong magnetic field such as that in a 3T MRI, certain metallic objects can interact with the magnetic field in ways that generate heat. The length and geometry of the stent can influence the amount of heating it experiences.

Larger metallic objects tend to have greater susceptibility to radiofrequency (RF) fields, which can lead to increased energy absorption and thus higher heating. Stents, especially if they are made of materials like stainless steel or other ferromagnetic materials, can experience significant localized heating due to RF energy absorption. In this case, a stent that is 13 cm long provides a larger surface area and volume for RF energy interaction compared to the shorter options provided.

Shorter devices like the 4 cm lumbar screw or the 2 cm cardiac stent are less likely to accumulate significant heat due to their reduced interaction surface with the RF waves. Additionally, the abandoned lead, while it may have its own risks, is less of a concern for heating as it is not typically involved in significant RF interactions compared to a stent that is placed in a blood vessel.