Baylor Hamilton Heart Hospital deploys first MRI-safe pacemaker

Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital has implanted the first MRI-safe pacemaker in North Texas.

The Revo MRI SureScan pacing system, the first MR-Conditional pacing system, is designed, tested and FDA approved for use in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) environment.

Prior to the Revo MRI SureScan pacing system, MRI procedures for patients with implanted pacemakers were not recommended because the patients might face serious complications, such as interference with pacemaker operation, damage to system components, lead or pacemaker dislodgement or change in pacing capture threshold.

Developed by Medtronic, the Revo MRI SureScan pacing system was designed to address safety concerns around MRI procedures for patients who have implanted pacemakers.

The Revo MRI pacing system, when programmed into SureScan mode prior to an MRI scan, is designed to be used safely in the MRI environment.

Baylor Hamilton’s president Nancy Vish said medical imaging and electronic implantable devices such as pacemakers are important technological advances, particularly for older people.

"Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital is proud to provide safer access to MRI for our patients. We encourage our patients to talk to their doctor about which pacing system is right for them," Vish said.