Report: Unity patient burned by MRI machine

An obese patient at Unity Hospital in Fridley was inadvertently burned during an MRI in March, according to a Minnesota Department of Health investigative report.

The report found that the female patient's breast was burned due to insufficient padding inside the machine during the procedure.

The woman was sedated during the procedure due to claustrophobia. After the MRI was completed, she told staff that her left breast felt hot, the report said. A burn appeared on the woman's breast after she returned to her hospital room.

The hospital's old MRI machine was already being replaced at the time of the investigation, said Allina Hospitals and Clinic spokesperson David Kanihan. The new unit is designed to better accommodate obese patients.

The report concluded that the hospital took appropriate corrective action.

An unidentified radiologist interviewed by investigators said that about thirty MRI-related burns occurred nationwide in the past year.

"Situations like this are extremely rare," Kanihan said. "I think people can take some comfort that situations like this will raise the awareness that the possibility exists and precautions will be taken."