MRI and Pacemakers: Both Have Provided Positive Benefits for Patients, but not together...until the SureScan® Pacing System

MRI overview

How many of your patients are excluded from the benefits of MRI because of their implantable cardiac device? Most likely several,
since previous cardiac devices were contraindicated in the MRI environment. Lets take a look at why this is such an unmet need4

The dilemma

As MRI use increases, so too does the number of patients benefiting from pacemakers. This convergence results in an escalating number of patients who may be denied MRI diagnostic care.


Convergence of Trends: Many Patients Potentially Denied MRI Scans

Pacemaker and ICD Implants - Prevalence of Implantable Pulse Generators (IPGs) and ICDs implanted in the U.S. 1993-2004.*

As the Number of Patients with Pacemakers and ICDs Increases, So Too Does MRI Use

TOTAL MRI PROCEDURE VOLUME, HOSPITAL AND NON-HOSPITAL SITES, 1995-2007

MRI Procedures: Total U.S. MRI procedure volume, hospital and non-hospital sites, 1995-2007.*

Cumulative implants minus mortality. Medtronic data on file.
*Copyrighted information provided with permission from IMV Medical Information Division. 2007 MRI Benchmark Report.

The impact

  • MRI scans are potentially unsafe and off-limits for more than 2 million Americans because they have an implanted cardiac device4
  • In 2004 alone, about 200,000 implantable cardiac device patients were denied the benefits of an MRI scan4
  • 40% of Europeans and 50-75% of Americans with implantable devices will be indicated for MRI scans over the lifetime of their device4,5
  • Every 3 minutes in the U.S., and every 6 minutes in Europe, a patient is denied an MRI because of the presence of a pacemaker or defibrillator4,6-8

50-75% of implantable cardiac device patients will need an MRI during the lifetime of their devices5

  • MRI is one of the fastest growing areas in diagnostic imaging and is considered the standard of care for soft tissue imaging9
  • The number of patients benefiting from implantable cardiac devices is escalating4
  • After age 65, a persons chances of needing an MRI doubles.6 Older-than-65 is the demographic group most likely to require
    a pacemaker

"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. As application of MRI continues to grow, it is critical to introduce a solution that allows pacemaker patients safe access to MRI."


Torsten Sommer, MD, PhD
Professor of Radiology
Chief, Cardiovascular Imaging, University of Bonn

The MRI Journey - J. Rod Gimbel, MD

The MRI Journey - J. Rod Gimbel, MD

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Video Part Two - The MRI Journey - Emanuel Kanal, MD