Question about MRI of the brain?!

Question about MRI of the brain?

My Father-in-law has to have a MRI of the brain.
He is concerned about having the test done (well actually it's moreso my Mother-in-law that is concerned) because he had heart surgery back in 1999 and they put wires in his chest.

My opinion is that it's been long enough that the MRI will not affect him, but I want to be sure.
Does anyone have any knowledge or info about this?
Am I right OR should he not have the MRI done?

Any information would be greatly appreciated :)

Are the wires sternal wires or electrodes from a pacemaker? Sternal wires are used to hold the breast bone together after it is cut to gain access to the heart for surgery. Sternal wires which are put in post-cardiac surgery are fine and he will not be in danger of injury from a MRI. A pacemaker actually helps set the heart beat rhythm (your F-in-L should be well aware if he has a pacemaker. A pacemaker is contraindicated because the magnetic field can effect the electrical pulse of the pacemaker.

"Most implants used in heart patients (e.g., sternal wires, stents, occluding devices, coils, most heart valves, etc.) are considered permissible for an MRI examination."

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.j...

"Wires in the Chest from Heart Surgery - Although sternal wires are no problem whatsoever during an MRI scan, sometimes cardiac pacing wires are left in place after heart bypass surgery. It is very important for us to know if these wires are present because they can cause you injury if certain types of MRI scans are being done. Pacing wire presence can be determined by having a recent chest x-ray reviewed. When you pre-register let us know if you’ve had heart surgery, and you will be informed if a chest x-ray review is needed."

http://www.newmri.com/html/mr_safety.asp...