New Medtronic technology, MRI Care Pathway aids providers in MRI screenings for patients with implanted cardiac devices
Medtronic unveils its MRI Care Pathway, a new system that reportedly streamlines the process of completing MRI scans for patients with Medtronic MRI compatible cardiac devices.
According to research, 50-70% of all patients with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator system will require an MRI during their lifetime. Many of these patients, however, experience cancellations and delays when seeking the MRI scans they need due, in part, to the increased workload burden and expense associated with device checks prior to MRI scans, experts say.3
“While this technology has offered a huge improvement to my clinical workflow, its impact on my patients’ experiences when getting an MRI has been more important,” commented Peter Robertson, MD, electrophysiologist at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. “It allows rapid assurance at the time of the MRI that the scan can be completed safely. The patients can be confident they’re getting the right care, at the right time, and at an imaging center prepared to provide correct care for their device.”
The MRI Care Pathway includes a website and tablet-based application that healthcare providers can use to reportedly reduce potential scheduling delays during the MRI scan workflow. The app includes built-in safety features to alert MR technologists if an MRI scan cannot be safely performed.
“Medtronic’s MRI Care Pathway is user-friendly and supports MR technologists in quickly conducting safe MRI scans for patients with Medtronic cardiac devices, which can ultimately reduce a patient’s time waiting for important imaging data,” said Jim Vogl, vice president of Patient Care Systems, Cardiac Rhythm Management, which is part of the Cardiovascular Portfolio at Medtronic. “It empowers clinicians and patients to focus on the care they need, the moment they need it.”
The app is compatible with the Medtronic portfolio of SureScan devices, including pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization devices, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and insertable cardiac monitor systems.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the application (app) and it is commercially available in the U.S. For more information, visit Medtronic’s website.
