First MRI Safe Pacemaker Installed at Memorial Medical Center-Lufkin

Memorial cardiologist Dr. Vivek Mangla installed the first pacemaker system in Lufkin designed to be used in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) environment.

The Revo MRI™ SureScan® pacing system is FDA approved and allows for MRI procedures whereas traditional pacemakers do not. Prior to the Revo MRI SureScan pacing system, MRI procedures for patients with implanted pacemakers were not recommended because these 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.

Charles Stringer, 77, was the first patient to have the Revo MRI™ SureScan® pacing system installed at Memorial Medical Center-Lufkin. The procedure took place on Feb. 2 in Memorial’s Cath Lab. Now Stringer says he has peace of mind that, in the event of needing an MRI, there would not be any risks involving his pacemaker.

“Dr. Mangla made the decision to use this pacemaker. I asked him if there were any negatives to this pacemaker and he said no,” Stringer said. “He was very proud that they had this to offer, so that’s what we went with. It’s good to know I can have an MRI if I need one.”

Developed by Medtronic, the Revo MRI SureScan pacing system is the first pacing system of its kind in the U.S. The technology surfaced in the U.S. about six months ago, according to Dr. Mangla.

“With this new technology, the MRI restriction is no longer valid which can be beneficial to patients who may have that potential need in the future,” Dr. Mangla said. “Medical imaging and electronic implantable devices such as pacemakers are important technological advances, particularly for older people. We are proud to provide safer access to MRI for our patients.”

The number of patients with pacemakers is growing at the same time that the use of MRI is increasing. About 40 million MRI scans are performed annually in the United States and Memorial performs approximately 4,800 MRI scans each year.

MRI is often preferred by physicians because it provides a level of detail and clarity not offered by other soft tissue imaging modalities.

It has been estimated that there is a 50 to 75 percent probability that cardiac device patients will be indicated for an MRI over the lifetime of their devices. Furthermore, more than 200,000 patients annually in the U.S. have to forego the MRI scan because they have a pacemaker. The Revo MRI SureScan pacing system can help address this important unmet patient need.

 

Cutline: Charles Stringer (center) poses with Medtronic Senior Sales Representative Erich Habermehl (left) and Dr. Vivek Mangla (right) following his pacemaker surgery. Stringer was the first person in Lufkin to receive a pacemaker that is designed to be used in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) environment.