Medtronic Gets OK For Scan-Friendly Pacemaker

WCCO's Interview With Dr. David Steinhouse

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Twin Cities-based Medtronic has received government approval for the first heart pacemaker designed to be safely used with MRI scanners.

"It's a great day for Medtronic and an even greater day for our patients" said Dr. David Steinhouse of Medtronic.

Patients with heart-pacing implants generally cannot have an MRI because the radio waves could interfere with the functioning of the implant.

"What this pacemaker system will allow us to do is to be able to scan patients with an MRI device" said Dr. Steinhouse.

An estimated 200 thousand pacemaker patients avoid MRI's each year because of the danger.

"We have spent a decade trying to figure this out" added Dr. Steinhouse.

The latest device will mostly benefit new patients and it's being shipped for immediate use.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)