Biotronik has received CE mark approval for its new Ilivia implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and CRT-Ds (cardiac resynchronisation therapy devices). Ilivia devices come with the company’s ProMRI technology, as well as MRI AutoDetect.
MRI AutoDetect is designed to allow the cardiologist to activate a special window, lasting up to 14 days, in which all device functionality is maintained until a patient is undergoing an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan itself. At that point, the device switches into MRI mode automatically. Once the scan is completed, all device functionality should be restored, again automatically and without the need for the cardiologist’s intervention. Soon after the scan, the cardiologist receives a full report via transmission through Biotronik Home Monitoring.
“It is only in the last few years that cardiac device patients could safely undergo MRI scans at all. However, even now, patients aren’t fully protected if they have an event while their devices are programmed in MRI mode-a period that currently can last a day or more depending on hospital workflows,” comments Richard Kobza, head of Cardiology, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Lucerne, Switzerland. “Reducing the amount of time a device is in MRI mode is particularly crucial for ICD and CRT-D patients, and with MRI AutoDetect the only time these patients won’t be able to benefit from full device therapy is the short 30-minute window they spend in the MRI machine itself.”
“MRI AutoDetect is the next step in ensuring that patients get the full benefit of both their implanted devices and diagnostic imaging,” comments Manuel Ortega, senior vice president at Biotronik. “MRI AutoDetect will not only reduce the amount of time the patient’s device stays in MRI mode, but I expect it will also greatly improve the workflow between the cardiologist and radiologist, which will ultimately benefit our patients.”
Ilivia devices also feature MultiPole Pacing (MPP), designed to further improve therapy for CRT patients, the company’s unique Closed Loop Stimulation (CLS) algorithm for more adaptive pacing and DX technology for ICDs and CRT-Ds.
