US-based medical technology provider Medtronic has announced the Japanese launch of a new MR-conditional pacing system, designed to provide pacemaker patients with access to full body scans without positioning limitations during the MRI procedure.
The new system, Advisa DR MRI SureScan, features an MRI device, two CapSureFix MRI SureScan leads, diagnostics tools such as the cardiac compass report and tachyarrhythmia management that assists in the early detection of atrial fibrillation.
The pacemaker, which utilises managed ventricular pacing technology, has complete automaticity with Anti-Tachycardia Pacing (ATP) and Ventricular and Atrial Capture Management (VCM and ACM) solutions.
The device also incorporates the company’s CareLink Network configuration, which transmits comprehensive arrhythmia and diagnostic device data to physician’s clinic.
In addition, the Rate Drop Response feature identifies abrupt cardiac slowing and responds by pacing the heart at an elevated rate, which may reduce the frequency of syncopal (fainting) episodes in patients with apparent cardio-inhibitory vasovagal syncope, according to the company.
Japanese Heart Rhythm Society president and Hirosaki University graduate school of medicine cardiology department professor and chief Dr Ken Okumura said that until recently, giving patients with pacemakers access to MRI technology was a significant unmet need.
"Now physicians and patients have a choice of pacing systems that allow access to the invaluable benefits of MRI technology," Okumura said.
The new MR-Conditional pacing system is not available for sale in the US.
Image: Medtronic corporate headquarters in Fridley, Minnesota, US. Photo: Courtesy of Bobak Ha’Eri.
