The first pacing systems
designed, tested and
approved for MRI
MRI Procedures are increasing
“MRI is unmatched and irreplaceable for diagnosis of cancer and
neurological disorders. For investigation of the brain and spinal
cord, there is simply no suitable alternative in most cases.”
– Torsten Sommer, MD, PhD
Professor of Radiology
Chief, Cardiovascular Imaging
University of Bonn
Nazarian S. Circulation 2006;
114: 1277-1284
MRI: The diagnostic of Choice
CT
MRI
CT Won’t Do in Many Cases.
CT scans have limited contrast ability and bony artifacts may
distort or obscure abnormalities
“In view of the potential high doses, CT should only be carried out
after proper clinical justification by an experienced radiologist”1
1 European Commission. Radiation Protection 118 - Referral guidelines for imaging, 2000.
A large unmet clinical need
• The likelihood of MRI indication doubles
>65 years1
• 50-75% of device patients will be denied
an MRI over the life of their device2
• In a 12 months follow-up period 17 % of
pacemaker patients required diagnostic
MRI3
1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Equipment – A Global Strategic Business
Report, Global Industry Analysts, Inc., San Jose, CA. 2002
2. Roguin A. Europace 2008; 10: 336–346
3. Sakakibara et al., Jpn Heart J 1999
What happens when pacing patients
need an MRI?
They are almost certainly
turned away!
MRI Glossary
• MRI Safe: The item is safe for use in MRI
under all conditions
• MRI Unsafe: The item is not safe for use
in MRI under any conditions
• MRI Conditional: The item is safe for use
in MRI only under certain conditions