Successful use of a Fortec II vaporizer in the MRI suite: a case report with observations regarding magnetic field-induced vaporizer aberrancy

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Abstract
Conducting a general anaesthetic within a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite poses many problems for the anaesthetist. Ferromagnetic substances are contained in most anaesthetic and monitoring equipment. Their presence within the magnetic field may cause hazards and artifacts during imaging. This report describes the testing and use of a free-standing Fortec II vaporizer within an MRI suite. The Fortec II vaporizer's function was altered depending upon its distance from and orientation to the magnetic field. The MRI images were not affected by this vaporizer's presence within the MRI suite. We conclude that an inhalational anaesthetic can be administered, using a pretested free-standing anaesthetic vaporizer and a Bain circuit, within the magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imager.