Medtronic, a provider of medical technology for use in imaging procedures, has launched a new MR-conditional pacing system in Japan.

The new system, Advisa DR MRI SureScan, is designed to provide access to pacemaker patient’s to have full body scans, without positioning limitations during the MRI scanner procedure.

The system features an MRI device, two CapSureFix MRI SureScan leads and diagnostics tools such as the cardiac compass report, and tachyarrhythmia management that assist in the early detection of atrial fibrillation.

The device, which uses managed ventricular pacing technology, incorporates the company’s CareLink Network configuration which transmits comprehensive arrhythmia and diagnostic device data to a physician’s clinic.

In addition, the Rate Drop Response feature identifies abrupt cardiac slowing and responds by pacing the heart at an elevated rate, which may reduce the frequency of syncopal (fainting) episodes in patients with apparent cardio-inhibitory vasovagal syncope.

The company said the pacemaker is also compatible with Anti-Tachycardia Pacing and Ventricular and Atrial Capture Management solutions.

Japanese Heart Rhythm Society president and Hirosaki University graduate school of medicinecardiology department professor and chief Ken Okumura said until recently there was a significant unmet need for patients with pacemakers to have access to MRI technology.

"Now physicians and patients have a choice of pacing systems that allow access to the invaluable benefits of MRI technology," Okumura added.

The company said the new MR-Conditional pacing system is not available for sale in the US.