New Medtronic App Streamlines MRI Screening for Patients with Cardiac Devices

The process of checking cardiac devices for compatibility prior to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans has reportedly been fraught with delays and cancellations due to challenges with workload management and rising expenses. However, a new FDA-cleared app may provide an expedited remedy for some of these workflow issues.

In contrast to coordination of multiple staff members to gauge compatibility of a patient’s cardiac device with MRI, the newly launched MRI Care Pathway (Medtronic) reportedly allows clinicians to independently verify MRI compatibility of Medtronic cardiac devices.

In addition to facilitating timely access to MRI scans, Medtronic said the MRI Care Pathway app enables magnetic resonance (MR) technologists to set cardiac device parameters to ensure safety prior to MRI scans and return to pre-scan settings after completion of the scanning.

Peter Robertson, M.D., said the MRI Care Pathway represents a significant advance for streamlining workflow and assuring patients with cardiac devices about the safety of MRI scanning.

“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,” noted Dr. Roberson, an electrophysiologist at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart in Murfreesboro, Tenn. “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.”

(Editor’s note: For related content, see “What a New Study Reveals About MRI Use and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators.”)

Medtronic said the MRI Care Pathway app is compatible with the company’s SureScan™ devices, ranging from implantable cardioverter defibrillators and pacemakers to cardiac resynchronization devices and insertable cardiac monitoring systems.