Medtronic has announced the launch of MRI Care Pathway, a new system designed to streamline the process of completing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for patients with Medtronic MRI-compatible cardiac devices.
According to a company press release, research shows that 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, Medtronic adds.
“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,” said electrophysiologist Peter Robertson (Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, Murfreesboro, USA). “It allows rapid assurance at the time of the MRI that the scan can be completed safely. The patients can be confident they are getting the right care, at the right time, and at an imaging centre 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 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 resynchronisation devices, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and insertable cardiac monitor systems.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the app and it is commercially available in the USA.
