What is a critical action when a patient has a previously implanted aneurysm clip?

When a patient has a previously implanted aneurysm clip, the most critical action is to verify the clip's safety documentation. This is essential because not all aneurysm clips are compatible with MRI, and knowing the specific details about the clip helps in assessing any potential risk to the patient during the scanning process.

The safety documentation will provide information on whether the clip is MRI-safe, MRI-conditional, or not safe for MRI at all. If the clip is found to be safe or conditional, the MRI can be performed with appropriate precautions. If the clip is not safe, then scanning should be avoided to prevent serious complications, such as clip migration or heating, which could pose a risk to the patient's health.

Contacting the manufacturer could provide additional insights, but the immediate step is to verify existing documentation about the clip's safety. This ensures that the MRI facility is adhering to safety standards and protocols when dealing with patients who have implants.